Comment by _Algernon_
6 days ago
Structural incentives explain the computer trajectory. While they were purely in the academic realm they were a force of empoverment, but this ended when economic incentives became the main driver. AI has speedrun the academic stage—if it ever existed—and is now speedrunning the enshittification stage.
But there is very little you or I can do about it except choosing not to partake.
At least in my experience, this is ahistorical. Personal computing in the 1970s and 1980s lived outside of academia, as did bulletin boards. The productive, creative, and empowering elements of the Internet and the Web were subversive actions that existed -- and in some cases were barely tolerated -- within its academic usage.
You say "there is very little you and I can do about it". Even if you don't listen to me, perhaps you might listen to the coiner of the term "enshittification"? https://archive.is/CqA8w
Huh? Computing in the 70’s and 80’s was almost entirely driven by academia - even being run by schools.
I agree with the author who said that is ahistorical...at least from my, and the people I grew up with's, perspectives. I grew up with computers in the 70's and 80's and while you may be thinking of centralized computing (minicomputers and mainframes), the personal computing revolution was widely distributed, not centralized in academia. BBSes, swap meets, user groups, even the corner Radio Shack was where 'computing' was vibrant and active. (And the magazines...SO many 'zines!)
We may be talking past each other, but my experience of computing in the 70's and 80's was definitely not academic.
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