RSS: The Overlooked Tool That Empowered Web Users

Quick Summary

• RSS (Really Simple Syndication) was developed by netscape to provide a simple way for users to receive updates from websites.
• Users could subscribe to any RSS feed with a reader, enjoying direct control over content with no algorithms or intermediaries.
• The popularity of RSS waned as browsers like Google Chrome (2013) and Firefox (2018) discontinued built-in support for the feature, citing low usage.
• Decline attributed to:

– Websites stopping feed services.
– Push notifications on apps and browsers replacing the need for manual setup.
– Emergence of algorithm-driven platforms promoting curated feeds.

• The gradual disappearance of RSS marked an era shift toward “walled gardens” where algorithms dictate user content exposure.
• Losses due to the decline include:

– Equal visibility between small blogs and major outlets in user feeds.
– User autonomy in curating strictly relevant updates without external interference.!RSS feed displayed in Newsify app

indian Opinion Analysis

The decline of RSS is emblematic of broader shifts impacting global internet culture. For India-where digital adoption and content consumption are growing exponentially-the disappearance highlights critical questions about control over information flow. Platforms increasingly rely on algorithmically curated feeds that prioritize profit-driven metrics like engagement rather than quality or relevance. This has implications for India’s burgeoning independent media space,which may face visibility challenges against larger outlets wielding resources tailored for algorithm optimization.

Furthermore, India’s tech-savvy population now primarily uses centralized platforms that favor reactive browsing behavior over active content finding-a stark departure from the autonomy once offered by technologies like RSS. In this context, reinventing tools or frameworks that empower users could play a meaningful role in preserving diversity within India’s fast-evolving digital landscape while promoting fair competition among creators.

Read More