I would bet most people on here have tried a new stream based on stumbling across it here (would make for an interesting poll). I know I have, many times, even in other states. So it feels right to return the favor occasionally, though I admit there are a few spots that I would never share online, either because other people with more local knowledge asked me not to, or because they are truly top-notch spots that have somehow stayed under the radar and I enjoy easy fishing. I would also add that streams on private land should never be mentioned, out of respect for the land owners.
IMO most of the best trout populations are already well known, at least in SC/SE PA. Some of that is absolutely due to the internet. Big Spring comes to mind as discussions here and elsewhere garnered statewide attention a few years back - I had never heard of it before then. Does it mean these spots are "ruined"? I think in most cases the number of fish stays pretty stable, they just get harder to catch, giving the perception of being "ruined". Good streams reach that level of attention for a reason, something about the habitat and water temps and bug life elevates the quality of the trout population no matter how much people fish it.
Or you may show up at your favorite section of your favorite "unknown" stream and find another angler ahead of you. Frustrating, for sure - but why do we rush to judgment that they found the spot because of internet spot burning, and why do we assume they are an inferior angler to ourselves and that they don't deserve to know about that spot?
When it comes to small streams, they also get less attention for a reason. They only have so many fish, and they only have room and food to grow to a certain size. Yes, that leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, but in my experience only the best 20% or so of small streams will actually fish well enough for a first-time visitor to consider returning. A lot of people do not enjoy fighting brush to catch 6-8" fish. You can name some small streams and they will get more attention, but whether they hold that attention long term is another story entirely. True small stream junkies are just one small subset of anglers.
I personally don't think it is healthy for the sport if we intentionally hide many streams and focus pressure onto the few best streams or on stocked streams. When new anglers enter the sport, the internet tells them about these places first. They go there to find other anglers, pressured fish, and end up having a lesser experience. They might lose interest before they realize that there are 10 "secret" wild trout streams that fish very well within a 15 mile radius of that crowded stream that was unenjoyable. So we need to share some spots, but do it responsibly. I prefer taking people to new streams in person, but at the same time, I've never seen pressure from the internet cause crowds on a specific stream to such an extent that the stream is "ruined" forever.
I also believe the internet has brought more awareness to proper fish handling and the importance of checking the water temperature, and serves as a platform for conservation organizations to recruit new members.
