It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway', but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies.

In this quote, Mike Royko, a well-known American newspaper columnist, offers a cynical perspective on the Internet. By referring to it as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies, Royko humorously critiques the chaotic and often illogical nature of online discourse. He contrasts the commonly held view of the Internet as an organized information highway, designed for efficient communication and knowledge sharing, with a more jarring image of disorganized noise and irrationality.

Royko's statement reflects his skepticism about the early Internet, which was rapidly gaining popularity at the time he made the remark. His description of the Internet as an asylum filled with babbling loonies suggests his belief that the platform was, at that time, overrun with trivial, misguided, or nonsensical content. This view underscores his concern about the quality of information and the credibility of online sources, which were often drowned out by sensationalism and unfounded opinions.

The origin of this quote comes from Royko's perspective as a journalist who was familiar with traditional forms of media, where content was more curated and subject to editorial oversight. The rise of the Internet posed a challenge to the established norms of journalism, and Royko's remark reflects his apprehension about this new medium and its potential to degrade public discourse. As someone accustomed to more structured forms of information, he viewed the Internet as a disruptive force in the world of communication.

In retrospect, Royko's quote captures the early skepticism many felt toward the Internet in its formative years. While much of the online space has matured and become a crucial platform for communication, his commentary serves as a reminder of the chaotic and often unpredictable nature of digital media, especially when it first emerged.