Dead Internet

 I've been reading about the dead internet theory for a while now and think it may not be such a terrible thing were it come to pass. The theory comes as a logical conclusion from the idea that much of today’s online activity is generated by bots rather than humans. While this concept might sound dystopian, experts like Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian view it as a turning point that could spark a more authentic, human-centered era online. In a world oversaturated with algorithmic noise, real human connection and creativity are becoming more valuable than ever.

As automated systems flood social platforms with generic posts and fake conversations, audiences are naturally reorienting toward content that feels real. Ohanian describes this shift as a search for “proof of life”, evidence of human presence, spontaneity, and individuality in the digital realm. This hunger for authenticity could push social media’s next evolution toward spaces rooted in verifiable, human-to-human interaction rather than mass engagement metrics. That sounds like a great improvement over current state.

This transformation also has profound implications for the attention economy, the system where clicks, likes, and views are the currency of online influence. When bots inflate engagement numbers and fake activity dominates, traditional attention loses its value. The platforms and creators that can prove their audience is human will gain disproportionate influence. Whether through live content, verified discussion spaces, or smaller trusted communities, digital attention is shifting from quantity to quality.

In response, a new generation of innovation is already underway. Developers are working to design “verifiably human” social networks and AI-resistant content ecosystems. Ohanian suggests that the future of social media might emerge from private group chats and niche communities, where authenticity thrives and automation can’t easily intrude. These shifts signal a structural change in how people consume, produce, and attach meaning to online interaction. This a throwback moment for those of us who are old enough to know. In the beginning there only used to be bulletin boards and list servs. Would be nice to have that back.

Ultimately, the dead internet theory may not mark the death of the web but its rebirth. It represents a natural correction in the evolution of digital spaces, moving away from manipulative algorithms and spam toward communities that reward sincerity, originality, and trust. In this new attention economy, being human isn’t a liability; it’s the greatest competitive advantage the internet can offer. It is possible that people will crave to read old books and classic literature to feel more grounded in their understanding of what it means to be human.