Gemini, Gophers, and Fingers. Oh My Alternative Internets Beyond HTTPS

The article explores alternative internet protocols beyond HTTPS, specifically examining Finger, Gopher, and Gemini—three URI schemes that offer decentralized alternatives to the browser-dominated web ecosystem. The author argues that these protocols, which run in terminals without requiring graphical interfaces or JavaScript, represent viable options to counter the dominance of Chrome and corporate social media platforms. Finger (1971), Gopher, and Gemini each have their own communities and aesthetics, with Finger originating as a tool to display user information and evolving into an early form of social media profiles.