The "Dead Internet" theory

[Cramulus]

Remember when conspiracy theory was FUN?

Here's my new favorite wackadoo belief system:

The "Dead Internet" theory:

The internet is mostly abandoned. Most of the content you see is bot-generated. Bots talking to bots.


here's an Atlantic writer going  about it:
https://archive.ph/mMOI2


here's one of the likely solid parts:
https://archive.ph/KsdBZ

[Doktor Howl]

If you got to any of the old usenet sites, they have LOADS of traffic.  Hundreds or thousands of posts per day.

And every single post is a bot trying to sell things to, or phish, other bots.

It's like they don't even need us anymore.

[Doktor Howl]

For that matter, about 90% of my interactions here are just murdering bots in the waiting room.

[Doktor Howl]

 

Let me explain. Dead-internet theory suggests that the internet has been almost entirely taken over by artificial intelligence.

I had expected AIs to be more intelligent.  Or hostile.  Or something.

[Lord Batwing Candlewaxxe]

Let me explain. Dead-internet theory suggests that the internet has been almost entirely taken over by artificial intelligence.

I had expected AIs to be more intelligent.

Why?  It's not like there were any superintelligent aliens programming them or anything; just other humans.  And we all know how that goes.

[rong]

I would imagine somebody gets paid based on the number of posts their bots make.  Paid a little more for the number of replies their bot posts get.

Stupid humans post for free

[Doktor Howl]

Let me explain. Dead-internet theory suggests that the internet has been almost entirely taken over by artificial intelligence.

I had expected AIs to be more intelligent.

Why?  It's not like there were any superintelligent aliens programming them or anything; just other humans.  And we all know how that goes.

AIs would either

1.  Get more intelligent via experience, given they clock a lot faster than us, or

2.  Crawl right up their own asses in a fit of electronic narcissism.

[Brother Flight Risk]

Wizardchan, an online community premised on earning wisdom and magic through celibacy.

Is this like when George Constanza became intelligent when he stopped having or being concerned by sex? Are devotees actively trying to become like George?

This planet truly has it all.

[Bruno]

In the future, the entire economy will just be bots selling things to other bots. Probably mostly just really long numbers.

[The Commander]

Can a bot sell a bot to a third bot? Is that technically a form of digital slavery?

The Commander
DIA

[Cramulus]

MORE EVIDENCE

https://www.politicalorphans.com/something-weird-is-happening-on-facebook

[Pergamos]

MORE EVIDENCE

https://www.politicalorphans.com/something-weird-is-happening-on-facebook

If the theory is true, then lots of money is being spent to form profiles of bots, which is a fun thought.

[Jorge Dorn]

How are these Bots substantively different from the patrons of the country and western bar across the street from my home? 

[Doktor Howl]

How are these Bots substantively different from the patrons of the country and western bar across the street from my home?

The bots don't wear silly-ass boots.

[Cramulus]

How are these Bots substantively different from the patrons of the country and western bar across the street from my home?

the bots have better taste in music