Shut Up: Comment Blocker
Shut Up is a new tool designed to save your sanity by hiding internet comments by default, acknowledging their often "awful" nature while allowing exceptions for constructive discussions. This simple browser extension and app aims to clear the digital clutter, appealing to users tired of online negativity, spoilers, and increasingly, AI-generated "slop." Its release has ignited a lively debate among Hacker News readers about the overall value of online comments, the merits of different blocking methods, and the evolving nature of internet discourse.
The Lowdown
Shut Up: Comment Blocker is a tool designed to declutter the internet by hiding comment sections by default, aiming to provide users with a more serene browsing experience. The creator emphasizes that comments are often "awful" and can lead to wasted time or emotional distress, hence the need for a solution that prioritizes user sanity.
- Functionality: Available as an app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera.
- Mechanism: It operates by injecting a core stylesheet,
shutup.css, into most visited web pages to conceal comment sections. - Customization: Users can configure the tool to show comments by default on specific, more constructive platforms like GitHub, Dropbox, or Stack Overflow.
- Privacy: The developer states that Shut Up does not track or spy on browsing activity, only contacting a server periodically for stylesheet updates (with Firefox as an exception).
- Community Contribution: The underlying
shutup.cssis open-source and available on GitHub for web developers to contribute fixes or improvements. - Setup: On iOS/iPadOS, activation involves a simple toggle within the Safari content blocker settings.
Ultimately, "Shut Up" positions itself as a simple yet effective way for users to reclaim their online experience, allowing them to selectively engage with comments rather than being subjected to them indiscriminately.
The Gossip
Comment Quandaries
The discussion immediately highlighted the paradox of commenting on a comment blocker, leading to a broader debate on the inherent value and drawbacks of online comments. Many users appreciate the tool for sparing them from negativity, spoilers, or political strife. However, a significant counterpoint emerged from those who, despite acknowledging the often-horrific nature of comments, still feel compelled to read them, fearing a sense of isolation or missing out on human connection in the digital realm.
Alternative Approaches to Annihilation
A common thread in the comments was the existence of alternative methods and tools already capable of blocking comments. Users frequently mentioned utilizing general-purpose ad blockers like uBlock Origin or Safari's native "Hide Distracting Items" feature to achieve similar results, prompting questions about the unique value proposition of a dedicated comment blocker.
The Ascent of AI and the Dead Internet
The conversation quickly pivoted to the evolving landscape of internet comments, with several users expressing concern over the proliferation of AI-generated content and fake reviews. This trend was seen by some as further justifying a comment blocker and even led to reflections on the "Dead Internet" theory, where online discourse has transitioned from genuine peer interaction to a broadcast medium potentially dominated by automated or inauthentic content.