Dead Internet Theory Gains Traction as AI Content Surges Online

The Dead Internet Theory is gaining attention as researchers observe a significant increase in automated web traffic due to the rise of AI-generated content. Sociologists note that nearly half of all web traffic now originates from bots, suggesting a shift where most content seen online is created by machines imitating human behavior. Studies indicate that automated systems accounted for 51% of web traffic in 2024, with AI-generated articles surpassing human-written content. This trend raises concerns about authenticity and user engagement, as users withdraw to private spaces for genuine interactions. Bots are now generating artificial engagement metrics, complicating the ability to discern real human activity online. Financial incentives further fuel the automation of content, creating an environment where increased bot activity leads to lower quality interactions. The report suggests a growing disconnect between users and the content they encounter, leading to a quieter public internet dominated by synthetic interactions.

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