Dead Internet Theory: AI Bots Now Dominate Online Traffic

#Artificial Intelligence isn’t just transforming the internet — it’s consuming it. The “Dead Internet Theory” suggests the web is increasingly dominated by AI bots and automated agents, eroding human interaction and reshaping online culture and business models. Ignacio argues this isn’t speculation — it’s already happening. Over 50% of internet traffic in 2024 was automated, with 37% malicious bots — the highest ever. The Future of Online Spaces is gated human-only communities with strict anti-AI policies. Platforms that double down on AI-generated content (like Meta) may backfire as users crave genuine connection. The author personally shifts toward long-form, human-first content (e.g., Medium, newsletters). I find myself doing the same. To keep online spaces human, society will need new authentication systems, cultural resistance, and a careful balance between openness and protection. #ScholER https://medium.com/@ignac..