Yet social media started as individualized “web pages” and journals on myspace. It was a natural outgrowth of the internet at the time, a way for your average person to put a little content on the interwebules.
What became toxic was, arguably, the way in which it was monetized and never really regulated.
I don't disagree with your point and the thing you're saying doesn't contradict the point I was making. The reason why it became toxic is not relevant. The fact that wasn't predicted 20 years ago is what matters in this context.
What became toxic was, arguably, the way in which it was monetized and never really regulated.