Why the Internet Isn't a "Place" — And How That Changes Everything About Online Life

What if we've been thinking about the internet wrong this entire time? Not as a place you visit, but as a medium that extends your mind?

In this video essay, I explore how treating the internet as a literal "place" has led to cancel culture, context collapse, and moral panics—and why reimagining it as a medium for thought could transform how we learn, communicate, and engage online.

Drawing on Marshall McLuhan's media theory, Sherry Turkle's psychology research, and real-world case studies, I break down:
✅ How "place" metaphors (digital citizenship, safe spaces, online communities) shape our behavior
✅ Why context collapse makes every conversation feel like a minefield
✅ The difference between speech and violence in digital spaces
✅ How the "extended mind" framework offers a healthier way forward
✅ Practical recommendations for educators, platforms, and users

This isn't about defending bad behavior—it's about understanding why the internet feels so exhausting, and how we can reclaim it as a space for curiosity, learning, and pluralistic dialogue.

🔗 **RESOURCES MENTIONED:**
- Marshall McLuhan: Understanding Media
- Sherry Turkle: Life on the Screen
- Neil Postman: Amusing Ourselves to Death
- Pew Research: Americans and Cancel Culture (2021)
- Trevor Project: LGBTQ Youth in Online Spaces (2023)

💬 **JOIN THE CONVERSATION:**
Do you think the internet is a place or a medium? How has this metaphor shaped your online experience? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I read every one.

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**CHAPTERS:**
00:00 - Introduction: The Digital Minefield
02:15 - How "Place" Metaphors Shaped the Internet
05:30 - The Problem with Safe Spaces Online
08:45 - Context Collapse and Cancel Culture
12:00 - Reimagining the Internet as a Medium
15:30 - The Extended Mind Theory
18:00 - Practical Solutions for a Healthier Internet
21:45 - Conclusion: Reclaiming Digital Spaces

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#InternetPhilosophy #MediaTheory #DigitalCulture #CancelCulture #OnlineCommunities