Do you ever scroll and suddenly realize: ‘This all feels… off?’ I do, and I’ve been neck-deep in the trenches of tech and media for years. From building websites to deciphering the weird rhythms of social media, there’s a creeping suspicion that the internet has lost its pulse. Remember the messy, lively chaos of your early web days? Now, sometimes it’s like yelling into the wind. Let’s unpack what’s going on, talk about why your feeds feel emptier every day, and maybe share a few war stories from life online.
A Pulse Check: Why Does Everything Online Feel So… Empty?
Is It Just You, or Has the Internet Lost Its Spark?
Ever scroll through your favorite sites and feel like you’re wandering a crowded mall after closing time? It’s noisy, sure—pop-ups, ads, endless posts—but somehow, it’s also eerily empty. There’s a weird sensation that something’s missing, even though there’s more content than ever before.
The Cluttered Yet Hollow Web
Let’s be honest: online spaces feel chaotic but simultaneously devoid of life. You see the same headlines, the same “10 Tips” lists, even the same writing style. It’s like everyone’s using the same template, just swapping out a few words.
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Most web content is starting to blend together—same styles, same voices, little personality.
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Faceless media and formulaic, repetitive posts are everywhere.
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Even LinkedIn, once a hub for real career stories, now feels oddly robotic.
If you’ve noticed this, you’re not alone. Many people are quietly asking, “Where did the real internet go?”
“Something Is Off”—And the Data Backs You Up
It’s not just a feeling. There’s real data behind this emptiness:
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Over 90% of web content receives no traffic. That means most of what’s published online is never seen by anyone.
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Over 50% of new online content contains AI language. That’s a lot of “AI slop”—content generated by algorithms, not people.
No wonder you’re seeing the same recycled advice and generic blog posts everywhere. It’s like the web is drowning in its own echo.
A Personal Glimpse: From Web2 to Web3 and Back Again
Let me take you back for a second. Years ago, I’d spend hours surfing weird forums, stumbling onto quirky blogs, and chatting with strangers who felt like real people. The web was messy, unpredictable, and—most importantly—human.
Now? I search for something simple and get bombarded with SEO-bait, recycled posts, and robotic YouTube videos. Sometimes, I even add “Reddit” to my Google searches just to find answers written by actual humans. It’s a little trick, but it says a lot about where we are.
Creators: Posting Into the Void
If you’re a creator, you probably feel it too. More and more people are struggling to stand out or even feel heard online. The sense of posting into the void is real. You pour your thoughts into a blog, a tweet, a video—and sometimes, it’s like shouting into a canyon. No echo.
I firmly believe that within the next 5 to 10 years, the internet as we know it will cease to exist.
That’s a bold claim, but look around. The internet is changing fast, and not always in ways that feel good.
Quick Recap: Why Does It Feel So Empty?
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Content overload, but less originality.
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Rise of generic, AI-generated posts.
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Social feeds and search results feel repetitive.
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Creators struggle for engagement and authenticity.
It’s a strange time to be online, isn’t it?
AI Slop and the Deluge of Meaningless Content
What Is ‘AI Slop’?
Ever scroll through your feed and think, “Did a real person even write this?” You’re not alone. There’s a new term for the tidal wave of bland, low-effort digital content: AI slop. It’s everywhere—blog posts, product reviews, news articles, faceless YouTube videos, even influencer voices. If it feels like the web is getting noisier (and emptier), you’re probably noticing the effects of this AI-generated flood.
How AI Is Flooding the Internet
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Blog posts and articles: Many are now written or “helped” by AI tools.
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Reviews and news: Quick, generic, and often lacking any real insight.
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YouTube videos: Robotic text-to-speech narrations over stock footage. No faces, no personality.
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Influencer content: Synthetic voices and even AI-generated faces are on the rise.
Platforms like website builders and LinkedIn are pushing creators to use AI for speed and SEO. Just type in a few words, and AI will “take it from there.” Sounds convenient, right? But there’s a catch.
The Cost of Speed: Originality and Connection
You might be thinking, “If it saves time, what’s the harm?” Here’s the thing: the more AI is used to churn out content, the more the web gets saturated with sameness. It’s like eating fast food every day—quick, cheap, but after a while, you start craving something real.
I’ve tried these AI writing tools myself. At first, it felt like magic—just feed it a topic, and out comes a full article. But after a few tries, I noticed something. My work lost its edge. The voice, the little quirks, the subtle jokes—gone. It was all technically correct, but it didn’t feel like me anymore. Maybe you’ve felt it too?
By the Numbers: The AI Content Explosion
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Multiple studies now show that over 50% of new online content uses AI-generated language.
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The amount of AI-generated content is growing fast, and it’s not slowing down.
This isn’t just a blip. It’s a massive shift. And as more platforms market AI writing as a quick fix for SEO or content volume, the web gets flooded with repetitive, soulless material—diluting the value of authentic human voices.
Information Pollution: When Everything Sounds the Same
Here’s the real danger. AI doesn’t create from scratch. It recycles what’s already out there, remixing old data into something that looks new. Over time, this leads to what some call information pollution—a web filled with recycled, regurgitated ideas. Trust starts to erode. You can’t always tell what’s real, or who’s behind the words.
It’s cheap, it’s fast, but it’s soulless and it’s drowning out content that’s been made by actual human beings.
Even if the facts are right, something’s missing: nuance, voice, personality. That spark of human connection. And honestly, that’s what makes the internet worth exploring in the first place.
Search is Broken: When Google Became a Graveyard of Ads and Spam
Google: From Trusted Gateway to Frustrating Maze
Do you remember when Google felt like magic? You’d type in a question, hit enter, and—bam!—a world of information opened up. It was exciting. You could click through ten different sites, each one offering something new. Honestly, it felt like exploring a digital jungle.
Remember back in the day when you first started learning how to use the internet, or using Google and you just got all of this information and all of this at once. That was amazing.
But now? That excitement is gone. Instead, you’re greeted by a wall of ads, SEO-bait, and spammy results. Sometimes it feels like you have to dig through layers of junk just to find a nugget of real information.
What Happened to Google Search?
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Ads everywhere: Try searching for anything basic. The first five results? Usually ads. It’s almost like Google forgot what made it special in the first place.
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SEO-bait and spam: Sites are fighting to be on the first page, stuffing keywords and gaming the system. Real content gets buried.
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Algorithmic popularity: It’s not about quality anymore. It’s about who can play the algorithm best. The majority of websites—over 90%—never even get a single click from search engines. That’s wild.
You might think, “Well, maybe I’m just unlucky.” But the data backs it up. Over 90% of web content never receives traffic. That means most of the internet is invisible, lost in the shadows of Google’s algorithm.
Nostalgia for the Early Internet
There’s a certain nostalgia for those early days. Clicking through site after site felt like a treasure hunt. Sure, it was messy, but it was alive. Now, it’s just exhausting. You scroll, you skim, you sigh.
The Shift: Where Are People Searching Now?
You’re not alone if you’ve started skipping Google. More and more, people are heading straight to:
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Reddit – For honest, human opinions.
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TikTok – Quick tips and real-life demos.
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YouTube – In-depth guides and reviews.
Why? Because these platforms feel more genuine. You get feedback from real people, not just faceless websites chasing ad dollars.
Informal Tip: The “Reddit Trick”
Here’s a little hack. If you want authentic answers, just add “Reddit” to your Google search. For example: best wireless headphones Reddit. Instantly, you’ll see threads with real discussions, not just affiliate links or AI-written fluff.
Why This Matters
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Google, once the undisputed entry point to the web, is now plagued by ads and low-value results.
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Users are adapting, seeking out more human-driven spaces for answers.
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The internet is changing—and so are your search habits, whether you realize it or not.
So next time you’re frustrated with Google, remember: you’re not alone. The way we search is shifting, and maybe, just maybe, that’s not such a bad thing.
Walled Gardens: Why the Open Web Feels Smaller Than Ever
Are You Still Browsing the Open Web?
Think about your last hour online. Did you wander through random websites, or did you get pulled into TikTok, Reddit, or YouTube? If you’re like most people, the answer is obvious. The open web—the wild, messy, unpredictable internet—is shrinking in your daily life. Instead, you’re spending more and more time in what tech folks call walled gardens.
What Exactly Is a Walled Garden?
A walled garden is a closed platform. It’s a place where you can scroll, watch, comment, and interact—but rarely leave. These platforms want you to stay. They want your attention, your clicks, your eyeballs. Why? Because the longer you’re there, the more ads they can show you. The more data they can collect. It’s all about engagement, and, honestly, about money.
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TikTok: Over 1.5 billion monthly active users.
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YouTube: Nearly 3 billion users.
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Reddit: Growing fast, especially after its recent redesign.
TikTok, my former employer, now receives over 1.5 billion monthly active users. We know YouTube is somewhere close to three billion. And Reddit as well has just been growing and growing.
Why Are We All Getting Trapped?
It’s not just you. These platforms are built to keep you inside. Every swipe, every autoplay, every notification is designed to keep you scrolling. Sometimes, you look up and realize you’ve lost an hour—or more. It’s like falling into a rabbit hole. You go in for a quick laugh or a bit of news, and suddenly you’re deep in a comment thread or watching videos about things you didn’t even know existed.
I’ll admit it: I’ve spent entire evenings bouncing between TikTok and Reddit, barely noticing the time. It’s almost embarrassing. But it’s also normal now.
What’s the Cost?
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Traditional websites lose traffic. Fewer people are visiting independent blogs, news sites, or forums.
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Creators feel overlooked. If you’re not on these big platforms, it’s hard to get noticed.
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Discovery gets limited. You see what the algorithm wants you to see, not what you might have found on your own.
Locked In: The New Normal?
People now turn to Reddit for research, TikTok for entertainment, and YouTube for everything in between. It’s convenient, sure. But it also means you’re locked into a loop—one that rarely leads you back out to the open web. The internet used to feel infinite. Now, it feels like a handful of giant rooms with the doors quietly closing behind you.
Is this just how things are now? Maybe. Or maybe we’ll find our way back out, eventually. For now, though, the open web feels smaller than ever.
The Dead Internet Theory: Are You Talking to Bots (or Worse)?
What Is the Dead Internet Theory?
Ever get the feeling you’re shouting into the void online? You’re not alone. There’s a strange, almost eerie idea floating around called the dead internet theory. It claims that much of what you see, read, and interact with online isn’t coming from real people at all. Instead, it’s bots—AI talking to itself, endlessly.
How Much of the Internet Is Actually Human?
Let’s pause for a second. One study showed that now over 50% of all internet traffic is being driven by bots. Think about that. That means, statistically, more than half of what’s happening online isn’t even human. It’s not just spam emails or those weird pop-ups. It’s comments, posts, even entire conversations that might be generated by algorithms.
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Over 50% of internet traffic now comes from bots.
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Algorithms amplify this noise, pushing more bot-generated content into your feed.
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Real human voices get drowned out, lost in the static.
Algorithms: The Echo Chamber Builders
You scroll, you click, you like. But behind the scenes, algorithms are working overtime. They don’t just show you what’s popular—they decide what becomes popular. And if bots are generating most of the content, guess what? The algorithms end up amplifying that, too. It’s like a feedback loop: bots create content, algorithms boost it, and suddenly your feed is full of stuff that might not have a single human behind it.
Is Anyone Out There?
Here’s a confession. Sometimes, I’ll get a comment on a post and I’ll wonder—is this person even real? Maybe you’ve felt it, too. The username looks normal, the words seem friendly, but something’s just… off. It’s unsettling. You start to question if you’re actually connecting with another person, or just some clever AI programmed to keep the conversation going.
The Fading Soul of the Web
Whether the dead internet theory is true or not, a lot of people sense something’s changed. The web used to feel serendipitous. You’d stumble onto a weird blog, meet a stranger in a forum, or find a song that changed your mood. Now, it can feel like you’re just watching the same recycled content, over and over.
And here’s the kicker: if creators see fewer real people engaging with their work, they might stop posting altogether. Why shout into an empty room? It’s a self-perpetuating cycle—less real content, more bots, and even fewer reasons for humans to stick around.
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Less genuine engagement means fewer creators want to share.
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The internet starts to feel emptier, lonelier.
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Real human exchange gets replaced by automated noise.
The dead internet theory points to a strange new normal: the majority of online traffic and content may originate from bots and AI, eroding the promise of real human exchange.
When All You Want is a Real Human (and Where to Find Them)
Why Are We Craving Real People Online?
Let’s be honest: something feels off about the internet lately. You scroll, you search, you get answers—but it’s like eating plain toast. Where’s the flavor? Where’s the spark? If you’ve ever thought, “This just doesn’t feel human anymore,” you’re not alone.
Trust in the big platforms is fading fast. Feeds are packed with AI summaries, recycled content, and, honestly, a lot of noise. It’s no wonder people are jumping ship, looking for smaller, cozier corners of the web where actual humans still hang out.
How People Are Finding Human Voices Again
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Reddit to the Rescue: Ever typed your question into Google and slapped “Reddit” at the end? You’re not alone. It’s become the go-to move for anyone desperate for a real, unfiltered opinion. You want nuance, not just facts. You want someone’s weird story, not a sterile summary.
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Old-School Forums & Niche Discords: Here’s a personal tip: when I want credible info, I skip the mainstream and head straight for those dusty old forums or tiny Discord groups. You’d be surprised what you find. Sometimes it’s a goldmine, sometimes it’s chaos—but it’s always real.
The Magic of Human Value
What’s so special about these spaces? It’s the human value. The nuance. The little mistakes. The random connections you make with strangers who share your oddly specific interest in, say, vintage calculators or obscure 90s cartoons.
It really lacks nuance and voice and personality and at the end of the day it lacks that human value.
That’s what you miss in algorithm-heavy feeds. The rough edges, the personality, the stuff that sticks in your mind.
Where Creativity Still Thrives
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Forgotten Message Boards: Some of the best ideas are hiding in places you’d never expect. Old forums with clunky layouts. Threads from 2012 that still get replies. It’s messy, but it’s alive.
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Specialized Subreddits: Dive into a niche subreddit and you’ll find people debating, joking, sharing stories—sometimes arguing, sure, but always as humans, not bots.
Creativity bubbles up in these oddball corners. You see people riffing off each other, making mistakes, building something new. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real.
Thought Experiment: Where’s the Next Big Thing?
Here’s a wild thought: What if the next digital renaissance isn’t coming from a tech giant, but from some obscure forum you’ve never heard of? Maybe right now, a handful of people are building the next big thing in a chatroom with a blinking cursor and zero SEO.
People are relearning how to seek out authentic, human-driven online spaces. They’re rediscovering the joy of oddball forums and quirky discussion groups. And honestly, maybe that’s where the soul of the internet has been hiding all along.
An Internet Worth Saving—Soul in the Data Stream
Finding Real Connections in the Noise
Let’s be honest. The internet today can feel like a crowded room where everyone’s shouting, but nobody’s really listening. Algorithms push the same old content. Bots fill up comment sections. You scroll and scroll, but it’s hard to find something that feels real.
But here’s the thing—if you look closely, you’ll still spot moments of genuine connection and creativity. Sometimes, it’s a heartfelt comment on a blog post. Or maybe a clever meme that makes you laugh out loud. Even with all the noise, those sparks of humanity haven’t disappeared.
Staleness as a Spark for Change
You might feel like the web’s gotten stale. Too much sameness. Too many recycled ideas. But maybe that’s not all bad. Sometimes, boredom is what pushes you to try something new.
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Start a niche forum—even if only a handful join, it’s yours.
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Join a weird Discord server about an obscure hobby.
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Write that blog post nobody else is writing.
The dullness can inspire you to carve out your own digital sanctuary. It’s a bit like walking into an empty park and deciding to plant a tree. Who knows who’ll sit under its shade later?
Digital Serendipity Isn’t Dead
Let me share a quick story. Years ago, I stumbled onto a tiny forum dedicated to a hobby most people had never heard of. It was quiet. No flashy graphics. Just a few passionate people sharing tips and stories.
I ended up making a friend there. We chatted, collaborated, even met up in real life. That friendship outlasted the forum itself. Proof that, even now, digital serendipity is alive—if you’re willing to wander off the beaten path.
The Challenge: Keep the Internet Human
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Stay curious. Don’t just accept what the algorithm serves you.
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Embrace uncertainty. Not knowing what you’ll find is half the fun.
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Be original. Share your weird ideas. Someone out there will get it.
It’s easy to let the bots and the noise take over. But you can choose to keep your corner of the web alive with curiosity, uncertainty, and a dash of originality.
If bots are going to rule the internet, maybe it’s up to you to make your corner a little more alive.
Planting Seeds of Authenticity
You have more power than you think. Every honest comment, every thoughtful post, every creative project—it’s a seed. Maybe it grows, maybe it doesn’t. But if enough people plant them, the internet can stay human, even as the bots multiply.
So, even amidst the AI slop and algorithm-driven emptiness, there’s still space for creative, meaningful human exchanges—if you actively carve out your own digital sanctuary.
Wild Card: The Library Card Analogy & The ‘Talking to Ghosts’ Game
Remember Library Tutorial Days?
You probably remember those awkward library tutorial days. The ones where you sat in a circle, clutching a library card, learning to hunt for reliable info in a sea of dusty encyclopedias. It felt tedious at the time, but that quest for the “right” information? It made you a digital skeptic before you even knew what that meant. Don’t dismiss it yet.
I remember when I was in middle school and we actually took full-on classes on how to do proper research on the internet. Like from being taught how to do research for papers and stuff by going to the library and reading books…
That’s not just nostalgia talking. It’s a reminder: the analog skills you picked up—note-taking, fact-checking, even just pausing to think—are more important than ever in a digital world that’s, well, kind of losing its mind.
Talking to Ghosts: Are You Really Alone Online?
Let’s play a quick game. Imagine you’re having a heartfelt chat online. The kind where you share a little too much, maybe even laugh out loud. Then, you find out you’ve been talking to a bot the whole time. Not a person. Not even close.
What would you do next time? Would you trust less? Would you start asking more questions, or just avoid deep chats altogether? It’s weirdly unsettling, right? Like talking to ghosts—except the ghosts are algorithms, and they never sleep.
Analog Tricks for Digital Chaos
Here’s a trick that’s so old-school it almost feels rebellious: keep a physical notebook. Write down the quotes, links, or actual human gems you want to remember. It sounds simple, but it works. When the digital world feels like a blur of endless scrolling and half-remembered headlines, a real notebook can ground you.
Physical-world habits like this can anchor you in the chaos. They’re proof that sometimes, the best way to navigate digital overload is to step away from the screen—just for a minute.
Maybe the Future of Trust Is… Less Digital?
Here’s some unconventional wisdom: maybe the future of digital trust is actually less digital. Weird, right? But think about it. The more bots, deepfakes, and AI-generated content flood your feeds, the more you crave something real. Maybe you’ll start valuing face-to-face chats, handwritten notes, or even just a phone call.
It’s not about rejecting technology. It’s about remembering what makes you human in the first place.
Mini-Rant: M-Dash Overload
Okay, quick personal rant—what’s up with M-dashes everywhere, anyway? It’s like every sentence online is trying to run away from itself. Maybe it’s a symptom of the internet’s bland, repetitive grammar. Or maybe we’re all just a little too eager to interrupt our own thoughts. Either way, it’s a quirk that’s hard to unsee once you notice it.
Conclusion: Grounded in a Shifting Digital World
So, is the internet as we know it really dying? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just changing faster than we can keep up. But here’s the thing: the analog skills you learned—skepticism, note-taking, pausing to think—are more valuable than ever. They help you stay grounded, even when the digital world feels like it’s spinning out of control. In a landscape dominated by bots and algorithms, being a little more human might just be your best defense.
FAQ
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Why do analog skills matter in a digital world?
Analog skills like note-taking and critical thinking help you filter information and stay grounded, especially when digital content can be overwhelming or unreliable. -
How can I tell if I’m talking to a bot online?
Look for generic responses, lack of personal details, or odd timing. When in doubt, ask specific questions only a human would answer. -
Is keeping a physical notebook really helpful?
Yes! Writing things down by hand can help you remember important info and gives you a break from screens. -
What’s the deal with M-dashes?
M-dashes are everywhere online, often used to break up thoughts. It’s become a quirky, sometimes overused part of internet writing style.
TL;DR: The internet isn’t dead yet, but it’s mutating fast. AI slop is everywhere, Google’s not what it was, and ‘human’ spaces are getting harder to find. But—if you look closely and adapt, you can still find life (and soul) online.
