How can we tell if certain content is genuine or not? We’ve covered sadfishing and rage-baiting, both referring to somewhat fabricated information or content that aims to trigger certain emotions in people. Supposed real stories shared online are now met with skepticism, but the majority still do not know how to fact-check. Platforms that are text-heavy, like Reddit, are bombarded with tons of stories every second. While the stories come from the community, some of these implausible stories could be AI-generated. Due to this, some are led to believe the “dead Internet theory.”
Also interesting: What Is the Objective of Technology?
Although it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the theory originated, others often mention that it may have sprouted from social media sites. According to The University of New South Wales, Syndey, the dead Internet theory claims that activity and content on the Internet are predominantly being created and automated by AI.
Is it just me or have people lost their minds?
Dead internet theory might no longer be a conspiracy theory but something that we wholeheartedly welcome with open arms ☠️#SocialAI #deadinternettheory pic.twitter.com/wghoZscLdm— Vishal Saranathan (@vsohere_1) October 15, 2024
AI and content creation
Creators like writers and artists are mostly affected by AI. When content generation AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Bard are in play, it takes literal seconds to produce stories, essays, or research papers. Those in the customer service sector are also finding themselves competing with AI. Most companies use AI and bots to answer customer queries nowadays compared to before when a live customer service representative was needed.
The rise of AI has given people the ability to create stories, images, and videos with just a simple prompt. While AI can be used positively, people also tend to abuse it for reasons such as monetization, engagement, or worse, spreading misinformation. The Internet is also full of trolls who just want to get attention and rile people up. To avoid becoming victims of fake content and engagement, the old warning “do not believe everything you see on the internet” usually does the trick.
Is the end of the internet upon us?
Dead internet theory suggests that bots drive a majority of internet content, and now generative AI.
What will the internet look and feel like in a few years?
Will it all die, or will something new and better emerge? #AI #Theory pic.twitter.com/X00jOCOeXW
— Tellr (@tellr_xyz) October 15, 2024
Be mindful of the content
While being on the Internet may feel like “the world is your oyster,” it won’t hurt to check the credibility of places and websites first. Some sites are wired to share fictional stories; if the reader is unaware, they may take the stories told seriously. As mentioned a while back, some AI-generated content is being passed off as one written by a real person.
Cross-reference
Fabricated content is almost always posted multiple times on different platforms. Cross-posting will most likely gather more chances of the content going viral. One could do some cross-referencing with other sources to validate the authenticity of the post.
Practice skepticism
Facts can be proven by proper research. Take every social media story with a grain of salt, especially when one does not know the creator on a personal basis. It is easier to fabricate stories for clout or engagement on social media platforms where users are anonymous, such as Reddit. It is also easier for bots to blend among users as those can pretend and share AI-generated stories. While some of these stories could be exciting, try to see if the story makes sense or has any logic to it.
Before you go: The Internet Causes End of All Innovation? End of All Humans?
The dead Internet theory, although infamous, has yet to be proven true or false. So far, people’s claims about others’ stories as exhibits under this conspiracy theory are based on mere observation. However, as responsible Internet users, it is our duty to fact-check and actively disengage from anonymous content creators with stories that cannot be verified. At the very least, we can be wary about the validity of any content posted online, especially those shared anonymously.
Photo Credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Netrun78.
Sources: Jake Renzella, Vlada Rozova (UNSW Sydney) / Derrick A Paulo (Channel News Asia)
