This discussion dives into the challenges of maintaining a meaningful online presence amidst a cluttered digital landscape. It explores the metaphor of 'broken links' and how fragmented identities can feel like digital homelessness. The emotional toll of digital clutter and the struggle to curate our online archives is examined. There’s a nostalgic look at the past creativity of the web, along with a call to rethink how we manage our digital identities. Get inspired to navigate this chaotic environment with fresh perspectives!
The modern digital landscape has shifted the purpose of websites to minimalistic forms, raising questions about their value and intent.
Creators face challenges of digital homelessness due to fragmented online identities, underscoring the need for cohesive and intentional web presence.
Deep dives
The Evolving Nature of Websites
The definition of a website has shifted significantly in the modern digital landscape, particularly as social media and platform-driven content dominate online experiences. Many contemporary websites are minimalistic, often serving merely as digital business cards, lacking depth and purpose beyond aesthetics. This raises questions about the true value and intent behind websites, especially in a time when users are less inclined to explore and engage with them meaningfully. The case of The Verge exemplifies this concern, as its redesign aimed to create a destination for readers and foster a more valuable content creation environment.
Challenges of Digital Identity
The struggle of maintaining a cohesive online identity is reflected in the fragmentation of personal websites and social media profiles, leading to what can be described as digital homelessness. As social media platforms began to diminish traffic to personal sites, many creators found themselves compelled to house their content on these platforms, which resulted in a loss of individuality and depth. This disintegration of personal identity is akin to homelessness, where the boundary between public and private personas becomes blurred. The search for a digital homestead reveals a broader longing for genuine connections and integrated identities in an era of superficial online interactions.
The Impact of Links and SEO
Links function as essential components of the web, signifying relevance, authority, and connection between various content pieces, while broken links represent a significant drawback in terms of user experience and search engine optimization. The platformization of the internet has diminished the importance of traditional linking, favoring engagement within individual platforms over the creation of a more connected web. This shift has contributed to a fragile information ecosystem, undermining the foundations of digital projects and isolating content from the broader context. Ensuring that links remain intact is crucial for sustaining relevance and maintaining the integrity of online presence in a world dominated by platform algorithms.
Reconciling Digital Existence
The challenges of digital hoarding and fragmentation call for a creative approach to rebuilding one’s online identity, transforming the act of website creation into a digital exhibition of personal work. By perceiving existing content as an archive, creators can approach their digital presence with intention and individuality, linking significant expressions of self within a coherent framework. This shift toward viewing the website as a creative space fosters an environment where unique ideas and experiences can thrive, rather than being constrained by algorithms or trends. Embracing this concept allows for a more meaningful engagement with the digital landscape, where both creators and audiences can find value and connection.
I'm back! Maybe you noticed or maybe you didn't—but the show (and my newsletter) has been on its longest hiatus since its inception. In the final quarter of 2024, I decided I wanted to (re)consolidate my web presence, abandon most "platforms," and breathe some new life into my work.
This episode reflects on both my own challenges with wrangling my online presence and the ways the state of the web has made it extra challenging. While there’s a lot to complain about when it comes to social media platforms and the billionaires wreaking havoc in online and offline spaces, this isn’t that kind of episode. It’s an effort to illuminate some less obvious issues that, in turn, can help us figure out what we want to do next.
If you've been feeling a bit blah or displaced or just overwhelmed in your online work lately, I hope this episode gives you a fresh mental model for making sense of those feelings. And I hope that model gives you the inspiration it's given me.
Footnotes:
Check out the new (and hopefully improved) whatworks.fyi!
You can check out the What Works archive at whatworks.fyi - where you’ll find a written essay version of this episode. Plus, you can find out more about working with me to turn your own meaningful ideas into remarkable content.
(00:00) - What even is a website today?
(05:17) - 1. Website Metaphysicsp
(11:32) - 2. Digital Homelessness
(18:05) - 3. Google Hates Broken Links the Way NIMBYs Hate Tent Cities