It's very easy to get distracted, and sometimes I start to believe many people don't know what a distraction is anymore. Sometimes even a brand deal that is offering you money during the same week you have exams can be considered a distraction, or responding to pointless emails or newsletters, spam, etc. after hours, before your shift can be a distraction.
Key Insight
That's the heart of Dead Internet Theory: the idea that much of the internet is now run by machines, not humans.
What is the "Dead Internet Theory"?
Dead Internet Theory suggests that, since around 2016–2017, much of what we see online isn't created by real people but by automated programs — "bots" and AI tools that generate posts, comments, and even likes to keep us scrolling on our phone and click-tapping. Many people never realize that 80% of the content you see is just to keep you on your phone as long as possible.
It first gained attention in 2021 when an anonymous user on forums claimed most internet activity was fake, and the idea spread into mainstream conversation through outlets like The Atlantic and explanatory threads on Reddit.
The Numbers
Security firm Imperva reported that almost 50% of web traffic is non-human, a statistic that many point to as evidence this "death" of genuine interaction is measurable.
The rise of accessible AI content-creation tools (think ChatGPT, Claude, MidJourney, DALL-E and image generators) in late 2022–2023 intensified the flood of automated material, making feeds feel repetitive, hollow, and algorithm-driven.
While conspiracy-style claims of coordinated manipulation by hidden powers remain unproven, the core idea — that bots now crowd out human voices — is rooted in real trends.
Why It Matters
When so much content is synthetic, genuine human connection, trust in brands, and meaningful conversation suffer. For small businesses, that bot noise can drain marketing budgets (bots click ads but never buy) and erode credibility — because real customers spot fakery and look elsewhere.
Want the complete picture?
This is just the beginning. The full article on Medium dives deeper into the technical details, real-world examples, and practical implications of the Dead Internet Theory. Discover how to identify bot activity, protect your business from fake engagement, and navigate the increasingly automated digital landscape.
Read Full Article on Medium7 min read • Free to read