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Comment by jameskilton | Hacker News Reader

This is IMO the fundamental problem with the Internet (particularly today, Twitter and Facebook): it doesn't forget. One of humanity's greatest strengths is that we forget. We forget slights made against us, we forget things we and others have said, and we move on with our lives. Otherwise it would be very difficult to live with each other.

We even have proof of this. Some people have perfect memories and never forget anything, and while some learn how to live with it, for others it is absolute hell. Social media has broken that contract for everyone, and we still haven't figured out that storing and indexing everything indefinitely is actually one of the worst decision tech companies have made.

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It's the worst decision for a few people who made disparaging comments on social media and then are put in the spotlight. The Internets permanent memory is one of it's greatest strengths IMO not a "fundamental problem". These stories blow over and people get on with real life, but the knowledge base and access to information remains.

I have to agree I like having a time machine to look back on and think it is important almost like a history book. But a big part of me sympathises with people who find themselves in those situations. I don't think I have said anything I would regret on line but know there were some times in my younger life where I held some pretty charged views. Unless you are in someone's shoes it is hard to understand why they are saying the things they did. Perhaps they grew up in a completely racist house with parents that fed them that information. It doesn't make what the person said any less terrible but I think as a society we should be open to forgiveness where it is due. I don't think everything should be forgiven as some things cross the lines that can never be taken back but hope as a society we can realize that racial beliefs and political views and thoughts about police can change as one matures and is educated. What a mess.

Can you really, honestly say that you have never said anything that you regretted later?

Of course not, but that's also the case in real life and that doesn't mean the permanence of the internet is a problem that needs fixing. Like the other comment mentioned, things from the past should be taken with a grain of salt online or otherwise.

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