The internet is losing its third places

commentary Does anyone know where to hang out online anymore? Senior Writer Published August 23, 2026 6:30AM (EDT) After losing internet third spaces due to social media, there is now an effort to bring them back. (Richard Drury/Getty Images) When you’re looking at a thread of social media bots sharing the same five replies to AI-generated slapfights between anthropomorphic fruits, it can be hard to remember the internet used to be a lively place. Enthusiastic message boards, blogs dedicated to any niche you could find in any hobby, news and culture websites as renowned for sharp commenters as their stable of writers. This was a time when your blogroll was nearly as important as your friend list, a period where a well-curated feed on Google Reader (RIP) denoted good taste as much as a co-s