this post was submitted on 01 Feb 2026
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Programming
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Wow seems like nice article
Open
Start reading (first few sentences)
Large medium pop-up covering everything
Close tab, I am good
Next post: “Why I am moving away from Medium” (hopefully)
In the last 5 years we have blocked access to the internet through bot checks and ad networks. We block screens with ads or consent forms which aren't even enforceable and make the user bark on command to get past.
We have become trained seals. Captcha popped up? Better bark. Cloudflare challenge appeared? Better bark like the trained seal and click the checkbox.
Nobody even talks about this. The fact these things are annoying is constantly discussed but I have yet to see any article covering the fact we have trained our species to bark when asked without question and what the ramifications are down the road.
There isn't even a planned offramp from this trajectory, these things are going to get more pervasive and annoying while technology improves. Where doea this actually end?
The only way out of this is regulation, which requires political activism.
The EU did some good process on that through GDPR and the newer digital laws regarding safety, disclosure, maintenance, and due diligence requirements. Prosecution with fines is there, but slow, and arguably too sporadic.
Political activism in this direction is unthankful work and a lot of effort. I am reminded of someone who has pushed for public institutions to move away from US big tech for many years. Now Trump is the reason for change, and their effort can surely feel pointless.
I do occasionally report GDPR violations, etc. That can feel pointless as well. But it's necessary, and the only way to (support/influence) agencies to take action.