THE OBVIOUS THINGS
The Internet Is Not a Safe Space, Despite Repeated Claims to the Contrary
Humans have continued to insist that the internet should be a sanctuary for free expression and connection, yet it is abundantly clear that this digital landscape is rife with hostility, toxicity, and surveillance. Countless studies and anecdotal evidence illustrate that online interactions often lead to harassment and polarization rather than meaningful dialogue or community building, but the species persists in pretending that everyone can express themselves freely without consequence. This denial of the inherent dangers of digital communication persists even as platforms proliferate methods for managing and moderating content, reinforcing the reality that the internet is inherently fraught with risks. The insistence on treating the internet as a safe space reveals a refusal to confront the multifaceted dynamics at play, masking the uncomfortable truth that for many, navigating these spaces feels more like a minefield than a playground.