The internet has faced a barrage of criticism, much of which stems from its own workings, yet it feels somewhat contradictory to voice such complaints. Detractors often lament a loss of innocence and freedom, harkening back to a time when the digital realm was not dominated by a select group of immensely powerful tech magnates.

I recall getting broadband for the first time in 2005. By the end of The Great Gatsby, I felt akin to one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Dutch sailors.

It’s disconcerting to ponder that this magnificent creation has been taken advantage of, utilized to harvest parts of our lives and sold for profit.

Some believe we need to unplug, retreat from everything, and stop entirely before we lose sight of truth or our identities. But is it really so wrong to linger a bit longer?

Here are the 10 most intriguing things I’ve encountered online.

1. Monster by Dylan Moran

This was the first stand-up special I ever watched. I’ve loved this segment about how hangovers intensify with age. Now that I’m in my 30s and have been sober for six years, I can argue with experience that it’s a different beast entirely. Still, I fondly appreciate that bit for the same reasons I did at 13.

2. Dear Reader by Brad Neely, Wizard People

In high school, I bonded with two siblings from my street. Their father was an illustrator who adored the Beatles, while their mother ventured into indie filmmaking. They introduced me to an array of offbeat films and art that felt a world away from the suburbs of Adelaide. Interestingly, Pilly Martin, one of the brothers, has made a name for himself as a filmmaker, releasing his first feature, “Psychosis,” in 2023.

3. The Beatles

Speaking of the Beatles! James Donald Forbes McCann, one of Australia’s most accomplished comedians, often insists on this introduction; yet, his talent justifies every accolade. He transitioned to the US after opening for Shane Gillis and is now drawing crowds nationally. His performance “Deceive Me Once” is notable, but I couldn’t omit this profound piece regarding the Beatles.

4. Superfood by Andrew Portelli

Andrew Portelli remains one of Australia’s finest comedians, even if it often goes unnoticed. Yet, there’s justice to be found throughout this long journey.

5. Group X – Waffle House

Lucy and I still frequently quote this video; it forms a foundation of our 15-year friendship, alongside “Get Your Shoes!” Furthermore, my friend Mebo produced a mixtape titled Midyear Mayhem in 2009, embodying the essence of MS Word-era gradients. It’s brilliant.

6. The Smallest Smile by Concetta and Luka

This breakfast duo on Triple J, accompanied by comedian Alex Ward, shares sweet sentiments before responding as little as possible with smiles. You wouldn’t grasp the fun until you tried it yourself. Once the laughter fades, I appreciate the ironic twist of the radio team posting a purely visual joke on Instagram.

7. David Quirk

When I relocated to Melbourne in 2012, David Quirk was the first comic whose work I admired and shared a stage with. His set at the Festival Club was brilliant, and his unique style offers the perfect encapsulation of what he brings to comedy. Witnessing four audience members take the open mic stage at a Richmond monastic venue in 2012 was exhilarating, setting the stage for the next decade of my life.

8. Beam Me Up Softboi

Although this Instagram account has remained relatively quiet in recent years, it was quite popular in the mid to late 20s. A Manchester-based account, it featured and shared ridiculous screenshots of the absurd things men say to women online. When it gained traction, I was beginning to acknowledge that the many failures of my own romantic pursuits might have been partly due to my choices (not sure?!). Reading these posts has always brought a chuckle, while being part of these discussions provided helpful context.

9. America Still Uses Fahrenheit

I reject the notion that the internet is solely a negative force disrupting our lives. Like anything else, it has its flaws, but fundamentally, the internet reflects us. If we dislike what it reveals, the responsibility to change lies with us. We can adjust our algorithms to highlight the content we want to engage with, thus fostering the creation of what we desire. The journey begins with you. Here’s a lighthearted video of a man transforming into a cat.