We need interconnected networks to succeed again. Remember when the internet was all about services based on open protocols that could talk to one another? I do. We've moved away from that in no small part to the fact that it isn't in the interest of the Facebooks and Googles of the world, who want to BE the internet rather than just a part of it. Everyone has a closed off messaging system. Platforms are working harder to bring content into their wall so you don't ever have to leave to get it.
I'm not sure how to fix this now, as the answers (xmpp, openid, diaspora, matrix) don't seem to be gaining a huge amount of traction, either because they are too difficult to use, lack important features, or because most users don't care.
Either way if we can't figure out a way to bring that spirit of interconnectedness and decentralization back to the internet I'm afraid that the situation will continue to deteriorate.
I'm not sure how to fix this now, as the answers (xmpp, openid, diaspora, matrix) don't seem to be gaining a huge amount of traction, either because they are too difficult to use, lack important features, or because most users don't care.
Either way if we can't figure out a way to bring that spirit of interconnectedness and decentralization back to the internet I'm afraid that the situation will continue to deteriorate.