The current state of the internet is often attributed to various factors such as algorithmic feeds, monetization of users, ad-based business models, and search engines, all of which contribute to a sense of chaos and disorganization. However, another theory proposes that our digital lives have become like shame closets, filled with an overwhelming amount of information that we struggle to manage. This era of the internet began with the introduction of Gmail 20 years ago, offering vast storage and powerful search tools that became the norm for online platforms.
The promise of endless storage mediated by search tools expanded to include not only files but also photos, videos, messages, and conversations across various platforms. While these archives contain treasures that we would love to rediscover, the sheer volume makes it impossible to find what truly matters. As social networks connected us to more people than ever, true closeness and intimacy were sacrificed for convenience, leaving many feeling lonely despite the digital connections.
The digital giants profit off our passivity, leading to a monthly fee for more storage and algorithms that curate content for us based on past preferences. In an effort to regain control of digital life, the author subscribed to Hey, an email service that prioritizes choice over convenience. By filtering messages and requiring users to whitelist or blackball senders, Hey forces users to actively engage with their inbox rather than passively accumulating messages.
While Hey offers a refreshing approach to managing emails, it is not without its limitations, such as inferior search capabilities and difficulty organizing different types of mail from the same address. Despite these drawbacks, the author values the friction created by Hey, as it encourages intentional decision-making rather than mindless accumulation. The author acknowledges personal responsibility for the state of their digital life and seeks to transform it from a shame closet into a well-tended garden, where choices are made consciously and content is curated thoughtfully.
Ultimately, the shift towards reclaiming control of one’s digital life highlights the need for balance between convenience and intentionality. The ease of unlimited storage and automatic curation has come at a cost, leading to a sense of overwhelm and disconnection. By actively making choices and tending to the digital garden of their online presence, the author seeks to create a more meaningful and fulfilling relationship with technology, where content is curated with care and purpose.
