The Internet's Changing Landscape: Millennials and the Rise of Zoomers
A journalist reflects on the changing nature of the internet and how millennials are no longer the dominant force they once were online.
The Internet isn't Fun Anymore
In recent years, many people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of the internet. Social networks and websites that were once enjoyable platforms for entertainment and connection now seem lackluster and uninteresting. The sentiment that "the internet isn't fun anymore" is a common one among millennials.
This change can be attributed to several factors, including the evolving landscape of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. These platforms have undergone significant transformations, alienating many longtime users. Even popular sites like Reddit have faced backlash due to new policies. The general consensus is that something is shifting about the internet, and it's not for the better.
The New Yorker aptly summarized the sentiment, stating that "The Internet Isn't Fun Anymore." It's undeniable that we are in a transitional period for the internet as we know it.
The Changing Internet and the Influence of Millennials
For over a decade, millennials have been at the forefront of internet culture and usage. We were the first to embrace smartphones and led the way in screen time. Our preferences and behaviors shaped the internet's form and culture during the 2010s.
However, the landscape is shifting once again. As millennials age, a new generation emerges - Generation Z, or "zoomers." These younger internet users have their own distinct culture and preferences, making the internet an unfamiliar place for many millennials.
The rise of zoomers has led to a decline in millennials' screen time and engagement with online platforms. Our once unparalleled knowledge and understanding of the web's capabilities are no longer relevant to younger users. The internet we once knew is no longer ours.
The Rise of Zoomer Internet
Zoomer internet is vastly different from the internet millennials grew up with. It features new celebrities, slang, and formats that can be confusing and impenetrable for older generations. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and Twitch have become popular among zoomers, fostering creative expression and social connection.
While millennials may find this new internet culture inscrutable and irritating, it's important to recognize that the fun and exuberance of online spaces continue to thrive among young adults. Zoomers have embraced and redefined online spaces, leaving millennials feeling alienated and disconnected.
However, it's worth noting that the internet experience enjoyed by zoomers is also subject to the same downsides that millennials faced. Enjunkification and the commodification of online activity by powerful platform businesses are ongoing concerns. Despite these challenges, zoomers are finding ways to have fun and engage with the internet on their own terms.
