Lurking

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This personal history of the internet presents a user-centric perspective on its rapid evolution, highlighting its dual role in connecting and dividing people globally. The internet has transformed communication and identity, creating a complex cultural landscape that influences everyone, whether or not they actively engage with it. As users navigate various platforms and technologies, they experience a mix of surprise, betrayal, enrichment, and confusion. The author explores key concerns of online life, such as searching, safety, privacy, identity, community, anonymity, and visibility. She examines the motivations that draw people online and the shifting dynamics of digital life, where users often trade personal information for access and benefits. While narratives typically focus on entrepreneurs and corporations, this account reveals a deeper, more personal story of collective experiences. As a respected cultural critic, the author offers a unique insight into contemporary identity, recounting how we have shaped ourselves in the digital age and prompting reflection on our future in this ever-evolving landscape.