Is the Internet Still in the Middle Ages?

The other day, I had an interesting conversation with a friend about the current state of the internet. The question came up: In what age or stage is the internet right now? Without hesitation, my friend responded with something that caught me off guard: "The internet is still in the Middle Ages."

I asked him to explain, and his answer painted a vivid, albeit grim, picture. He described the digital landscape as a chaotic world, where barbarians roam freely. According to him, these "barbarians" represent people who have no respect or empathy for others. They attack and defend themselves with no regard for consequences, using scythes (in a metaphorical sense) to slash through any form of decency or reason. If someone steps out of line, their figurative "head" is swiftly cut off in brutal fashion.

I couldn't help but reflect on his analogy. When we look at how people interact online, especially in anonymous spaces, it's not far from the truth. Platforms intended for connection and information sharing often become battlegrounds for insults, misinformation, and outright hostility.

We’ve witnessed this through cyberbullying, cancel culture, and the spread of misinformation. In these digital "battles," individuals and groups arm themselves with words that sting like weapons, arguments that are sharp as blades, and the harshest of judgments. It’s a fight for survival, where winning the argument—or at least appearing victorious—is more important than understanding or learning from one another.

In this way, the internet can indeed feel like a lawless land. But does this mean it's doomed to remain in this "medieval" state? I’d argue not. The Middle Ages were eventually followed by the Renaissance—a period of enlightenment, learning, and humanism. Perhaps the internet is simply going through its barbaric stage, and with time and effort, we can collectively guide it into an era of growth, understanding, and positive innovation.

It’s up to us, as the participants in this digital world, to decide how we engage. Do we add fuel to the fires of chaos, or do we seek to build bridges and cultivate respect? The internet, like society, evolves based on how we choose to use it. Maybe we're still in the "Middle Ages," but that doesn't mean we have to stay here.