Posted on 07/27/2025 8:00:53 AM PDT by DallasBiff
Excellent observation. It’s quite synthetic.
I'll have you know that:
The Dead Internet Theory is a conspiracy theory that suggests the majority of online activity and content is generated by bots and AI, with human interaction being minimal and manipulated by algorithms or coordinated efforts, often attributed to state or corporate actors. It claims the internet "died" around 2016-2017, becoming a space dominated by artificial engagement rather than authentic human connection. Key points include: Origins: The theory gained traction in 2021 from a post by "IlluminatiPirate" on Agora Road's Macintosh Cafe forum, building on earlier discussions from 4Chan and Wizardchan. It was popularized further by an article in The Atlantic titled "Maybe You Missed It, but the Internet ‘Died’ Five Years Ago."en.wikipedia.org Claims: Bots and AI-generated content, like posts or images (e.g., "shrimp Jesus" on Facebook), dominate platforms, farming engagement (likes, comments) for ad revenue or influence.theconversation.comafr.com Algorithms prioritize viral, often low-quality content, reducing visibility of human-generated material.arxiv.org Some proponents suggest government or corporate manipulation to control public perception.en.wikipedia.org By 2025-2030, up to 99% of online content could be AI-generated, per some predictions.en.wikipedia.org Evidence and Criticism: Studies, like Imperva’s 2024 report, indicate nearly 50% of internet traffic comes from bots, often for ad fraud or data scraping, lending some credibility to the theory’s observations.wix.comlivescience.com Critics, like Caroline Busta, call it a "paranoid fantasy," though acknowledge issues like bot traffic. Others liken it to creepypasta, blending truth with exaggeration.en.wikipedia.org Social media platforms (X, Facebook, TikTok) still have significant human activity, but AI-generated replies and content are increasingly noticeable, especially post-ChatGPT (late 2022).forbes.comtheguardian.com Implications: The theory reflects feelings of alienation online, where curated feeds and "slop" content make the internet feel less human.forbes.comprospectmagazine.co.uk It raises concerns about disinformation, as bot accounts with high follower counts could be weaponized to sway opinions, especially since social media is a primary news source for many (e.g., 46% of 18-24-year-olds in Australia in 2023).theconversation.com Experts suggest skepticism and critical thinking when navigating online spaces, as interactions or trends may be synthetic.abc.net.au Current Sentiment on X: Recent posts on X (July 2025) show users increasingly convinced of the theory, citing AI-generated replies and bot-heavy interactions as evidence. Some call it "worse than we comprehend," while others tie it to broader internet access or algorithmic manipulation. The theory captures real issues—bot proliferation, AI content, and algorithmic curation—but its more extreme claims (e.g., a fully "dead" internet) lack solid evidence and lean conspiratorial. Still, the rise of generative AI makes it a compelling lens for viewing the evolving, often less human, internet.arxiv.orgabc.net.au If you want me to dive deeper into any aspect (e.g., bot mechanics, specific platforms, or counterarguments), let me know!
For a 70’s based list, there are a lot of shows on here that wern’t from that decade.
Hard to believe someone got paid to write this tripe.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.