[123pie123]

>Put more simply: the modern internet doesn’t work without encryption

being pandantic that should read - the modern usage of the internet..

the internet does work ok without encryption, has it has done from a long time ago

[kube-system]

That’s exactly the pedantry that muddies the water and confuses people on this issue. Colloquially, it is a distinction without a difference. The internet as normal people know it does not work without encryption.

[123pie123]

I do agree, it depends on the context, eg talking to my family vs this forum

This site is not full of "normal people" and it shouldn't confuse people/ muddy the water if being dicussed here

[kube-system]

I agree, but I am saying this here because the OP is written for a nontechnical audience.