Key Takeaways
- The “Dead Internet Theory,” originating in 2021, suggests the internet is mostly filled with AI-generated content and bots, not real people.
- Viral AI-generated images like “Shrimp Jesus” have recently brought this theory back into the spotlight.
- Concerns exist that AI bots are used to manipulate public opinion or simply flood platforms with low-quality content.
- Experts suggest the internet isn’t “dead” but is transforming due to AI, presenting both challenges and opportunities for more personalized content.
- Nearly half of all internet traffic in 2023 came from bots, according to some reports, fueling the debate.
You might have seen bizarre images online recently, like the infamous AI-generated “Shrimp Jesus.” While seemingly just weird memes, these creations are sparking renewed interest in an older online conspiracy known as the Dead Internet Theory.
This theory first surfaced on forums like 4chan back in 2021. Proponents claimed the internet essentially “died” around 2016, becoming dominated by AI bots churning out content, rather than real human interaction and creation.
The core idea is that much of what we see online now isn’t genuine human activity but automated content, possibly part of a larger agenda to manipulate people. As one early post on the Agora Road’s Macintosh Cafe forum put it, “The internet feels empty and devoid of people.”
Now, with the explosion of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which can create text, images, and more, this theory feels relevant again to many. People point to waves of similar AI art and strange, repetitive comments on social media as evidence.
According to the tech news site CNET, examples fueling the theory include numerous Facebook accounts posting variations of AI Jesus images or nonsensical bot comments cluttering posts.
Generative AI uses complex algorithms trained on vast datasets to produce convincingly human-like content. While impressive, these AI systems aren’t perfect, leading to the surreal images and sometimes nonsensical text associated with the theory.
Data supports the idea that bots are increasingly active. A report by Imperva indicated that bots accounted for nearly half of all internet traffic in 2023, an increase from the previous year. This rise coincides with the growing accessibility of generative AI.
Public opinion on AI is divided. While many tech experts are optimistic about AI’s potential benefits, a significant portion of the public remains concerned about its rapid growth, according to the Pew Research Center.
However, not everyone believes the internet is truly “dead.” Sofie Hvitved, a technology futurist, told CNET she believes the internet is evolving, not dying. She sees it transforming into something new, driven by AI.
Hvitved acknowledges potential problems, like AI polluting its own training data with generated content, creating a feedback loop of potentially low-quality or biased information. But she argues these are challenges to overcome, not signs of the internet’s demise.
Online discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, show the Dead Internet Theory resonates with many users worried about the authenticity of online interactions and the potential negative impacts of AI.
Looking ahead, Hvitved suggests AI could lead to a more personalized internet, where content is tailored specifically for individual users. While potentially useful, she cautions this could reduce shared online experiences and deepen echo chambers.
So, is the internet dead? While AI is undoubtedly changing the online landscape, replacing human interaction with bot traffic in many corners, the idea of it being completely devoid of human life is likely an exaggeration. It’s transforming, facing new challenges, but perhaps not deceased, just different.
