[networkimprov]

The success of a wide variety of messaging and discussion apps demonstrates that the network effects of email are not necessarily a high barrier. What these products have lacked, which email has, is an open protocol. (XMPP had early success, but never addressed the main use cases of email, and has major design flaws.)

A handful of credible alternative protocols are now in development:

DIME - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Mail_Alliance

Math Mesh - https://mathmesh.com

TMTP - https://mnmnotmail.org (my work)

Email was designed in the 1970s & 80s for an Internet whose population and topology have dramatically changed since. We no longer need a messaging system that allows anyone, claiming any identity (i.e. "real name"), to send you any content, without limits. Federation was necessary for the topology of the early Internet, but today it is a drawback -- making email by far the most effective method to initiate cyberattacks.