The Internet Has Shifted from a Destination to a Digital Trap

The internet once felt like a place you visited—a vast library of knowledge, a town square for conversation, a playground for creativity. Today, it has evolved into something far more insidious: a product that ensnares its users. Algorithms designed to maximize engagement keep us scrolling, clicking, and watching long after our original intent has faded. Platforms like YouTube, with its infinite autoplay and targeted recommendations, exemplify this transformation. What began as a tool for exploration has become a cage of convenience, where every click feeds a system that profits from our attention. The open web is shrinking, replaced by walled gardens that prioritize retention over freedom. This shift raises urgent questions about autonomy, privacy, and the true cost of 'free' services.