The phrase "link in bio" has been a common sight on social media platforms like Instagram, directing users to a specific web link in a user's profile. While seemingly innocuous, the phrase signifies a shift in how closed internet systems, such as social media platforms, control and regulate external connections that challenge their closed nature.

Key points:

• Links are powerful tools that enable open connections and unexpected paths on the web

• Closed platforms limit links to control commerce and user interactions within their ecosystems

• Hashtags and stories provide some link capabilities but are constrained by the platform

• Limiting links is a strategy to keep people away from the open web where they have more control