It is indeed, but if we’d think about it longer … we couldn’t trust any review to be genuine in the past too.

It wasn’t that bad though, that’s for sure. I do remember me buying some tech solely on the basis of having positive reviews. These days, I’d rather buy what’s cheaply (or for the sane price, depending on what I’m looking for) available online locally, and tweak from there.

I found a nice essay on the topic recently, the boring internet.

These days, not that genuine reviews are completely gone. They’re funnelled to some dark web channels (Instagram / Facebook et al), or live in private chats (e.g. me recommending something to friends). Personally, I’m trying to support others to start their own websites. For whatever hobbies they have. Unfortunately, not many are interested though. However, I believe that’s a matter of time before they realise that the social media platforms are optimised for engagement for the engagement’s sake. Which isn’t what I’m looking for. I’m totally ok with my blog being read by tens, not hundreds or thousands. Especially when these people are engaged in a mindful discussion, not just sending me millions of useless likes to pump my dopamine for no real reason.

I believe we’d see the reborn internet (if it’s dead now) at some point.

Second this and adding: Fiduciary responsibility and how US economic law places it above all else. Other jurisdictions, particularly in Europe, require companies to balance multiple responsibilities, such as towards their workforce, societal, ecological, and yes, fiduciary, too. It doesn't solve all issues and can be vague AF, but at least well-meaning CEOs can fall back to these other corporate responsibilities in court while the same CEO would be sued into oblivion by US shareholders.