Avoiding the big web

In an age dominated by Big Tech giants and the relentless push towards a commercialized web experience, there are those of us who yearn for a return to the simplicity and authenticity of the early days of the internet. If you find yourself disenchanted with the current state of the web and apprehensive about an AI-driven, dystopian future, you're not alone. This blog post explores the concept of avoiding the Big Tech behemoths and rekindling your connection with the web by embracing the small web, self-hosted solutions, and offline-first applications.

The Big Tech Backlash:

The discontent with Big Tech is not without merit. These tech giants have come to dominate our online lives, often at the expense of privacy, individuality, and a genuine user experience. Their data-driven, profit-centric models have reshaped the web into something quite different from its early ideals.

Embracing the Small Web:

The "small web" represents a refreshing departure from the overwhelming influence of Big Tech. It's about returning to a more human-scale, decentralized, and community-driven web experience. By actively seeking out smaller websites, open-source platforms, and independent content creators, you can rediscover the internet's diversity and character.

Going Offline-First:

One of the key aspects of avoiding Big Tech is to reduce your dependency on constant internet connectivity. Offline-first applications allow you to work, create, and consume content without being tethered to the web at all times. This approach promotes resilience, privacy, and a renewed sense of control.

Self-Hosted Solutions:

Self-hosting refers to the practice of running and managing your own online services and applications on infrastructure you control. This approach empowers individuals, particularly web developers, to take charge of their digital presence, data, and online activities. By hosting applications on their own servers or hardware, users gain a higher degree of control and autonomy over their online experiences.

Resources for Building Your Own Internet

  • Decentralized Web Platforms: Platforms like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and Dat Project are leading the way in creating a more distributed, peer-to-peer web.
  • Self-Hosting Guides: Websites like "The Self-Hosted Blog" offer valuable insights and tutorials on setting up your own web services.
  • Offline-First Tools: Explore offline-first tools and applications such as TiddlyWiki and Jupyter Notebook, which allow you to work offline and sync your data when online.
  • Privacy-Focused Browsers: Consider using privacy-focused browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Brave to reduce your reliance on browsers built by Big Tech companies.
  • FOSS Alternatives: Use Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) alternatives to popular software, such as LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office and Nextcloud for cloud storage.

By actively participating in the small web movement, self-hosting your solutions, and prioritizing offline-first applications, you can take back control of your online experience and help shape a more human, user-centric internet. It's a step towards a future where the internet serves its users rather than exploiting them.