Dead Internet Theory
The Dead Internet theory suggests online content is mostly generated by bots, potentially manipulating users. Proponents cite increased bot traffic, while critics like Caroline Busta dismiss it as a "paranoid fantasy." The theory originated in online forums and has gained attention among tech enthusiasts.
Read original article
The Dead Internet theory is an online conspiracy suggesting that the majority of online content is generated by bots and algorithms, reducing organic human activity and potentially manipulating the population. Proponents claim these bots were intentionally created to influence algorithms and search results. While some believe government agencies are involved, the theory lacks full support in literature. The theory has gained attention due to quantifiable phenomena like increased bot traffic. However, critics like Caroline Busta consider it a "paranoid fantasy" with legitimate concerns about bot activity. The theory originated from online forums and has spread to discussions among technology enthusiasts and researchers. It highlights the displacement of human-generated content by bots and the alleged manipulation of the population by various actors. Evidence includes the rise of large language models like ChatGPT and reports on bot traffic. Instances on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube have been cited as examples supporting the theory. The theory has been discussed on social media platforms and covered by various YouTube channels, contributing to its mainstream visibility.
Related
The Encyclopedia Project, or How to Know in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence challenges information reliability online, blurring real and fake content. An anecdote underscores the necessity of trustworthy sources like encyclopedias. The piece advocates for critical thinking amid AI-driven misinformation.
What everyone gets wrong about the 2015 Ashley Madison scandal
The 2015 Ashley Madison scandal exposed the use of bots to engage users, revealing a trend of fake profiles and automated interactions on social media platforms, cautioning about AI-generated content challenges.
Bots Compose 42% of Overall Web Traffic; Nearly Two-Thirds Are Malicious
Akamai Technologies reports 42% of web traffic is bots, 65% malicious. Ecommerce faces challenges like data theft, fraud due to web scraper bots. Mitigation strategies and compliance considerations are advised.
Jack Dorsey says we won't know what is real anymore in the next 5-10 years
Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk express concerns about AI-generated deep fakes blurring reality. OpenAI's efforts fall short, emphasizing the importance of human intervention in maintaining authenticity amidst AI advancements.
Google Researchers Publish Paper About How AI Is Ruining the Internet
Google researchers warn about generative AI's negative impact on the internet, creating fake content blurring authenticity. Misuse includes manipulating human likeness, falsifying evidence, and influencing public opinion for profit. AI integration raises concerns.
4 commentsBut the web is still alive, see:
* https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2024/04/16/the-dark-forest-anthol...
The AI bullshit singularity
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39422528
The internet feels fake now. It's all just staged videos and marketing
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39551035
X becoming a 'ghost town' of bots as AI-generated spam content floods internet
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39535310
The Internet Is Full of AI Dogshit
1) that most of the internet is now "inorganic", i.e. fake generated content. This seems to be nearly an objective fact by now.
2) that most of the inorganic content is created in order to manipulate the public; well sure, why else?
3) that it's mostly done by ONE organization, e.g. the U.S. government. That seems implausible, for many reasons. It's a whole host of organizations (governments, corporations, political movements) all trying to spam the world (with machine-generated content) in order to sway opinions.
So, I agree with every part of this "conspiracy theory", except for the conspiracy part. This is my objection to most conspiracy theories; it's not that I don't believe the big powers do bad stuff, it's that I don't believe they're all on the same side or that well organized.
Related
The Encyclopedia Project, or How to Know in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence challenges information reliability online, blurring real and fake content. An anecdote underscores the necessity of trustworthy sources like encyclopedias. The piece advocates for critical thinking amid AI-driven misinformation.
What everyone gets wrong about the 2015 Ashley Madison scandal
The 2015 Ashley Madison scandal exposed the use of bots to engage users, revealing a trend of fake profiles and automated interactions on social media platforms, cautioning about AI-generated content challenges.
Bots Compose 42% of Overall Web Traffic; Nearly Two-Thirds Are Malicious
Akamai Technologies reports 42% of web traffic is bots, 65% malicious. Ecommerce faces challenges like data theft, fraud due to web scraper bots. Mitigation strategies and compliance considerations are advised.
Jack Dorsey says we won't know what is real anymore in the next 5-10 years
Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk express concerns about AI-generated deep fakes blurring reality. OpenAI's efforts fall short, emphasizing the importance of human intervention in maintaining authenticity amidst AI advancements.
Google Researchers Publish Paper About How AI Is Ruining the Internet
Google researchers warn about generative AI's negative impact on the internet, creating fake content blurring authenticity. Misuse includes manipulating human likeness, falsifying evidence, and influencing public opinion for profit. AI integration raises concerns.