Which phenomenon describes hyperlinks on a website gradually becoming invalid due to changes in content or links?

The correct response, link rot, describes the phenomenon where hyperlinks on a website gradually become invalid over time due to various factors, including changes in content, webpage removals, or website restructuring. This issue arises when the resource a hyperlink points to is moved or deleted, leading to a broken link that returns a 404 error or a similar message.

Link rot is a common challenge in web development and content maintenance, as the internet is dynamic, with websites frequently being updated or taken down. It's important for web developers and content creators to regularly check and update their links to ensure that they remain functional and relevant for users.

The other terms, while they might seem similar, do not accurately describe this specific phenomenon. Hyperlink decay generally refers to a decrease in the value or relevance of hyperlinks over time rather than their outright failure. URL degradation suggests a gradual decline in the quality or functionality of a URL, which is not commonly used in this context. Link failure could imply a more immediate issue with a specific link, rather than the slow and gradual process that link rot encapsulates.