Exploring the Dead Internet Theory and AI's Impact on Online Content

The internet is undergoing a profound transformation fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), sparking renewed interest in the Dead Internet Theory. This theory, which originated in 2021 on forums like 4chan and Wizardchan, claims that since 2016, much of the content online is generated by AI bots rather than humans. It suggests a manipulated digital environment where authentic human interaction is increasingly replaced by automated content.

A vivid example of this phenomenon is the AI-generated image known as Shrimp Jesus, which surfaced in March 2024 on Facebook. Initially perceived as a meme, Shrimp Jesus became emblematic of a wave of AI-generated memes—such as the Challah Horse and the 386-year-old granny baking her own birthday cake—that flood social media feeds with low-engagement but persistent content. These images exemplify how generative AI creates “human-passing” content that blurs the line between genuine and artificial online presence.

Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, use machine learning algorithms trained on vast datasets to produce new stories, images, videos, and even software code. While these AI models have advanced significantly, experts acknowledge their limitations in reasoning depth and accuracy, which sometimes results in content that is plausible but flawed.

The presence of AI bots extends beyond images to social media interactions. Users frequently encounter repetitive, irrelevant, or nonsensical comments from accounts suspected to be bots. Reports indicate that nearly half of all internet traffic in 2023 originated from bots, a figure that has grown alongside the adoption of generative AI technologies.

Public sentiment about AI’s role in the internet is mixed. While AI experts tend to view AI’s impact positively, with nearly half excited about daily AI use, over half of the general public expresses concern about AI’s growth and its implications. These concerns include misinformation, loss of authentic human interaction, and the potential for AI to create echo chambers that fragment shared realities.

Technology futurist Sofie Hvitved emphasizes that the internet is not dead but evolving. She envisions a future where static web pages give way to dynamic, AI-curated content tailored to individual users. This shift could enhance relevance and personalization but also challenges the concept of a shared online community.

The proliferation of AI-generated misinformation, such as Russian propaganda spread through millions of AI-created articles, underscores the urgent need to improve AI tools and data quality. As AI systems ingest and reproduce vast amounts of information, the risk of polluting large language models with biased or false data grows, necessitating vigilant oversight.

The Dead Internet Theory continues to spark debate across platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where users share concerns about AI’s impact on mental health and the future of online content. Many fear that as AI-generated content dominates, the internet’s usefulness and authenticity may decline, fundamentally altering digital culture.

Looking ahead, the internet’s evolution driven by AI could mean more personalized, context-aware experiences but also raises questions about shared realities and community cohesion. While AI may transform the internet’s landscape, it does not signal its demise but rather a complex rebirth requiring thoughtful innovation and ethical stewardship.