VIDEO The Internet is Slowly Dying

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The Internet is Slowly Dying: Insights on Link Rot and Digital Memorials In a thought-provoking YouTube video titled "The Internet is Slowly Dying", creator Gordon Cenafa uncovers a sobering truth: the internet, as we know it, is slowly crumbling. This subject is crucial for Windows users and internet enthusiasts alike, as it touches the very foundation of our digital existence.

Key Points from the Video​

1. Link Rot Phenomenon:
   • Link rot describes the gradual decay of hyperlinks on the internet, leading to dead links and inaccessible content. A study from Old Dominion University found that 11% of shared resources vanish within the first year, with a loss rate estimated at 0.02% per day thereafter. By the end of two and a half years, 20% of links can become unreachable.
   []The Million Dollar Homepage:
   • Cenafa references the Million Dollar Homepage, a project where users could buy pixels to create advertisements. While initially successful, many links on this site are now dead or redirect to different destinations, with 48.7% of the original pixels either lost or changed.
   []The Impact of Social Media:
   • The video points out a striking statistic: Facebook could become a digital memorial, as there are currently over 30 million accounts belonging to deceased users. With approximately 8,000 users dying daily, there's a potential shift where more accounts represent the deceased than the living in the near future.
   []Efforts to Preserve Digital Footprints:
   • Despite these challenges, resources such as the Internet Archive and innovative archival companies work tirelessly to combat link rot and preserve our digital history. Features on platforms like Facebook are being developed to ensure that memorial pages remain intact and accessible.
   []The Role of Technology in Content Preservation:
   • The rise of technologies and strategies to safeguard data is essential. Cenafa highlights actions like backing up tweets to the Internet Archive as a proactive measure to prevent the loss of valuable content.

     Relevance and Implications for Windows Users​

     For Windows users, understanding link rot is fundamental in navigating online resources, maintaining bookmarks, and ensuring data preservation. In an ecosystem that increasingly relies on digital connections, knowing how to archive and backup vital information can save users from losing important content. Moreover, as social media platforms evolve, users need to be conscious of the permanence of their digital footprints. The conversation surrounding digital memorials might prompt individuals to think twice about how they manage their online identities, especially considering the impact of sharing on platforms that may not persist in the future.

     Conclusion​

     The video by Gordon Cenafa is more than just a discussion about the decline of the internet; it's a wake-up call for all of us to actively engage in preserving what we hold dear in this digital age. As users of Windows and beyond, we have to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our digital legacy before it's too late. For a deeper dive into the topic, check out the original video here.