The internet is constantly evolving, but simultaneously, parts of it are disappearing. Experts highlight two key processes: the 'dead internet theory' and digital decay. The 'dead internet theory' suggests that AI-driven bots are increasingly generating and controlling online content and interactions.
Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Melbourne (UNIMELB) propose that AI bots create content designed to generate engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These bots also interact with this content, creating a cycle of artificial interaction without human involvement. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and propaganda.
Simultaneously, a significant portion of the web disappears, a phenomenon known as 'digital decay'. This is due to server failures, technological obsolescence, changes in web policies, content removal, and the closure of digital services. The disappearance of information can impact historical records, journalism, and education, potentially leading to a 'selective digital memory'.
Experts from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and others emphasize the importance of critical thinking when navigating the internet. They also highlight the need for efforts to preserve digital heritage, such as initiatives like the Internet Archive, to combat the loss of valuable information.