So Google is the gatekeeper of the internet. So much worse, because Google has turned into an advertising site rather than an information site, and now, an AI chatbot.

How those two get along must be an interesting technical problem, like reconciling relativity and quantum theory.

Of course, I get paid for neither problem, but can say assuredly that I rely mostly on HackerNews for information, and when looking for a paper, I will search with DDG to find a completely free paper (say, at arxiv) rather than the customary paywall put up by publishers (who probably pay Google to attract people who post here and who don't take the few seconds needed to find the free paper.)

Remember, "When all vetted information is paywalled, then most people will see only CT's, propaganda and falsehoods, which will always be free." The "Digital Divide" is real and it's spectacular(ly destructive).

And with bots and AI, politicians are able to rewrite history, as George Orwell detailed.

The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, by Emmanuel Goldstein

https://genius.com/Emmanuel-goldstein-the-theory-and-practic...

This internet is garbage, and I commend HN for being a good source, along with Wikipedia and arxiv. Those here who make an honest living on the internet should work to prevent its (further) destruction.