Episode description

In this discussion, we delve into Yoshija Walter's provocative article, "Artificial Influencers and the Theory of the Dead Internet."

Walter explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in social media and its implications for human interaction and societal well-being.

The rise of "AI influencers" marks a pivotal shift in social media from a platform for genuine human connection to a realm dominated by consumption-driven algorithms.

Walter argues that while this shift has streamlined content creation and target audience engagement, it raises concerns about the diminishing authenticity of human connections online. Social media's evolving function—from connecting people to fostering consumption and dependency on dopamine-driven interactions—has led to an increase in online addiction and behavioral issues.

This transformation is encapsulated in the "Theory of the Dead Internet," which suggests that today's internet is predominantly populated by AI-generated content, with human activity being a rarity.

Article by Walter, Yoshija. "Artificial Influencers and the Dead Internet Theory." AI & SOCIETY (2023) - can be found here.

Disclaimer: This podcast is generated by Roger Basler de Roca (contact) by the use of AI. The voices are artificially generated and the discussion is based on public research data. I do not claim any ownership of the presented material as it is for education purpose only.