Search engines and me. Is the classic internet dying? [off-topic]

#1

Post by nullpwr » Wed, May 20, 2026, 11:21 PM UTC

Over the past six months, I've honestly completely stopped visiting websites from search results. A short answer is enough for me - a citation, whether from the search engine itself or some lightweight AI Overview.

I'll also say - I don't like it. I feel a certain moral obligation to visit the author(s) website. But then again, why do it if I've already received the answer?

Is this the end of the classic internet?

Re: Search engines and me. Is the classic internet dying? [off-topic]

#2

Post by brooke1 » Wed, May 20, 2026, 11:22 PM UTC

Probably. I do wonder whether there will be some legislation about needing to register a "hit" on a site if AI goes in there and does some digging, instead of a user. You're essentially sending a messenger in to do a task.

Re: Search engines and me. Is the classic internet dying? [off-topic]

#3

Post by megamike » Wed, May 20, 2026, 11:38 PM UTC

yes

Re: Search engines and me. Is the classic internet dying? [off-topic]

#4

Post by nullpwr » Wed, May 20, 2026, 11:41 PM UTC

brooke1 wrote: post #2

Probably. I do wonder whether there will be some legislation about needing to register a "hit" on a site if AI goes in there and does some digging, instead of a user. You're essentially sending a messenger in to do a task.

It's difficult to write a law that's "correct" and satisfies all parties. And also lobbying from large companies is quite strong.

Re: Search engines and me. Is the classic internet dying? [off-topic]

#5

Post by rimworld » Thu, May 21, 2026, 8:36 AM UTC

yes, unfortunately, the world you grew up in, no longer exists

Re: Search engines and me. Is the classic internet dying? [off-topic]

#6

Post by nullpwr » Thu, May 21, 2026, 10:28 AM UTC

rimworld wrote: post #5

yes, unfortunately, the world you grew up in, no longer exists

You said it perfectly, thank you!

I've always noticed that the generation that grew up with smartphones has little understanding of websites, forums, legendary authors, and so on. And this transformation happened very quickly. Frighteningly quickly.

As a member of the older generation, I don't know if I'll be able to fully adapt to these new trends.