Remember when comment sections were places of camaraderie rather than battlefields? When passionate hobbyists would write 3,000-word forum posts about their experiences, and strangers would genuinely engage with them? The internet has transformed dramatically, and not necessarily for the better.
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the increasingly popular "Dead Internet Theory" - the belief that the majority of online engagement now comes from AI bots rather than real humans. We share personal experiences that support this theory, from the suspicious patterns in YouTube comments to the dramatic difference between online engagement now versus a decade ago.
The evidence is compelling: generic usernames consisting of first name, last name, and a few digits dominating finance video comments with identical scam setups. The increasing difficulty for content creators to gain organic traction without paying for promotion. The rise of self-censorship as users weigh whether expressing an opinion is worth potential future repercussions. All signs point to a fundamental shift in our digital landscape.
Beyond the internet's transformation, we delve into recent government changes, particularly focusing on leadership reshuffling at federal agencies like the FBI and ATF. These changes may signal shifting approaches to information regulation and could potentially impact how online spaces are governed moving forward.
Whether you're a nostalgic internet veteran or simply curious about the forces shaping your online experience, this episode offers valuable perspective on our digital reality. Are you interacting with real people online, or just sophisticated algorithms? Listen now and decide for yourself.