\n<\/p>\n
Last Updated:<\/span>October 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/time><\/p>\nReddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian supported the dead-internet theory and raised an alarm against bots and artificial intelligence dominating the online space.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\nWhat is the dead-internet theory? (Representative Image)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\nOnce considered a conspiracy, the dead-internet theory is now gaining believers, even among prominent figures. According to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, the idea that bots and automated content are now dominating online activity and causing a \u201cdead” internet space holds significant merit. Ohanian is alarmed by the condition of popular social media platforms, which he says are running primarily on \u201cbotted” and \u201cquasi-AI” interactions.<\/p>\nIn an episode of the TBPN podcast on Monday, October 13, Ohanian expressed his frustration over existing social media algorithms and noted how artificial intelligence is dominating the online space. The Reddit co-founder supported his argument that we have a \u201cdead internet” by citing generic posts on professional networks like LinkedIn as evidence.<\/p>\n\u201cYou all prove the point that so much of the internet is now just dead\u2014this whole dead internet theory, right? Whether it\u2019s botted, whether it\u2019s quasi-AI, LinkedIn slop,” Ohanian said.<\/p>\nExperts Agree With The Theory<\/strong><\/p>\nMany experts now agree with Ohanian\u2019s argument, calling out a dead internet space ruined by bots and heavy AI-based interactions. It is suspected that around 51 per cent of the internet\u2019s traffic today is being generated by bots and AI-powered accounts that create and spread content widely.<\/p>\n\n\ni never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now\u2014 Sam Altman (@sama) September 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nOpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently acknowledged the phenomenon at hand and revisited his stance on the \u201cdead internet theory.” Altman posted on X: \u201cI never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now.”<\/p>\nOhanian\u2019s Idea To Combat Dead Internet<\/strong><\/p>\nThe dead-internet theory first gained traction back in 2021 after a post by \u2018IlluminatiPirate\u2019 on the Agora Road forum. The post later appeared in The Atlantic with a headline, \u201cMaybe you missed it, but the internet \u2018died\u2019 five years ago.”<\/p>\nSince then, data from many cybersecurity firms has also supported the idea that bots and AI-based accounts have been dominating online interactions. As per Cloudflare, almost one-third of internet traffic is coming from bots. Imperva claimed the number is higher and that nearly 50 per cent of the traffic on social media today is originating from non-human sources.<\/p>\nOhanian shared an idea to combat the dead internet problem, advocating for a more vibrant online space with \u201clive viewers and live content”. \u201cI think we\u2019ll see a next generation of social media emerge that\u2019s verifiably human, because it\u2019s all going down in the group chats now,” he said, also calling for regulations based on \u201cproof of life” to verify the user base.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nBuzz Staff<\/a><\/p>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLocation :<\/span><\/p>\nDelhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> viral<\/a> Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Backs Theory About Bots Dominating Online Space: \u2018You All Prove It\u2019<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What is the dead-internet theory? (Representative Image)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Once considered a conspiracy, the dead-internet theory is now gaining believers, even among prominent figures. According to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, the idea that bots and automated content are now dominating online activity and causing a \u201cdead” internet space holds significant merit. Ohanian is alarmed by the condition of popular social media platforms, which he says are running primarily on \u201cbotted” and \u201cquasi-AI” interactions.<\/p>\n
In an episode of the TBPN podcast on Monday, October 13, Ohanian expressed his frustration over existing social media algorithms and noted how artificial intelligence is dominating the online space. The Reddit co-founder supported his argument that we have a \u201cdead internet” by citing generic posts on professional networks like LinkedIn as evidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou all prove the point that so much of the internet is now just dead\u2014this whole dead internet theory, right? Whether it\u2019s botted, whether it\u2019s quasi-AI, LinkedIn slop,” Ohanian said.<\/p>\n
Experts Agree With The Theory<\/strong><\/p>\nMany experts now agree with Ohanian\u2019s argument, calling out a dead internet space ruined by bots and heavy AI-based interactions. It is suspected that around 51 per cent of the internet\u2019s traffic today is being generated by bots and AI-powered accounts that create and spread content widely.<\/p>\n\n\ni never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now\u2014 Sam Altman (@sama) September 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nOpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently acknowledged the phenomenon at hand and revisited his stance on the \u201cdead internet theory.” Altman posted on X: \u201cI never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now.”<\/p>\nOhanian\u2019s Idea To Combat Dead Internet<\/strong><\/p>\nThe dead-internet theory first gained traction back in 2021 after a post by \u2018IlluminatiPirate\u2019 on the Agora Road forum. The post later appeared in The Atlantic with a headline, \u201cMaybe you missed it, but the internet \u2018died\u2019 five years ago.”<\/p>\nSince then, data from many cybersecurity firms has also supported the idea that bots and AI-based accounts have been dominating online interactions. As per Cloudflare, almost one-third of internet traffic is coming from bots. Imperva claimed the number is higher and that nearly 50 per cent of the traffic on social media today is originating from non-human sources.<\/p>\nOhanian shared an idea to combat the dead internet problem, advocating for a more vibrant online space with \u201clive viewers and live content”. \u201cI think we\u2019ll see a next generation of social media emerge that\u2019s verifiably human, because it\u2019s all going down in the group chats now,” he said, also calling for regulations based on \u201cproof of life” to verify the user base.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nBuzz Staff<\/a><\/p>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLocation :<\/span><\/p>\nDelhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> viral<\/a> Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Backs Theory About Bots Dominating Online Space: \u2018You All Prove It\u2019<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Many experts now agree with Ohanian\u2019s argument, calling out a dead internet space ruined by bots and heavy AI-based interactions. It is suspected that around 51 per cent of the internet\u2019s traffic today is being generated by bots and AI-powered accounts that create and spread content widely.<\/p>\n
\ni never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now\u2014 Sam Altman (@sama) September 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nOpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently acknowledged the phenomenon at hand and revisited his stance on the \u201cdead internet theory.” Altman posted on X: \u201cI never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now.”<\/p>\nOhanian\u2019s Idea To Combat Dead Internet<\/strong><\/p>\nThe dead-internet theory first gained traction back in 2021 after a post by \u2018IlluminatiPirate\u2019 on the Agora Road forum. The post later appeared in The Atlantic with a headline, \u201cMaybe you missed it, but the internet \u2018died\u2019 five years ago.”<\/p>\nSince then, data from many cybersecurity firms has also supported the idea that bots and AI-based accounts have been dominating online interactions. As per Cloudflare, almost one-third of internet traffic is coming from bots. Imperva claimed the number is higher and that nearly 50 per cent of the traffic on social media today is originating from non-human sources.<\/p>\nOhanian shared an idea to combat the dead internet problem, advocating for a more vibrant online space with \u201clive viewers and live content”. \u201cI think we\u2019ll see a next generation of social media emerge that\u2019s verifiably human, because it\u2019s all going down in the group chats now,” he said, also calling for regulations based on \u201cproof of life” to verify the user base.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nBuzz Staff<\/a><\/p>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLocation :<\/span><\/p>\nDelhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> viral<\/a> Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Backs Theory About Bots Dominating Online Space: \u2018You All Prove It\u2019<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
i never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now\u2014 Sam Altman (@sama) September 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nOpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently acknowledged the phenomenon at hand and revisited his stance on the \u201cdead internet theory.” Altman posted on X: \u201cI never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now.”<\/p>\nOhanian\u2019s Idea To Combat Dead Internet<\/strong><\/p>\nThe dead-internet theory first gained traction back in 2021 after a post by \u2018IlluminatiPirate\u2019 on the Agora Road forum. The post later appeared in The Atlantic with a headline, \u201cMaybe you missed it, but the internet \u2018died\u2019 five years ago.”<\/p>\nSince then, data from many cybersecurity firms has also supported the idea that bots and AI-based accounts have been dominating online interactions. As per Cloudflare, almost one-third of internet traffic is coming from bots. Imperva claimed the number is higher and that nearly 50 per cent of the traffic on social media today is originating from non-human sources.<\/p>\nOhanian shared an idea to combat the dead internet problem, advocating for a more vibrant online space with \u201clive viewers and live content”. \u201cI think we\u2019ll see a next generation of social media emerge that\u2019s verifiably human, because it\u2019s all going down in the group chats now,” he said, also calling for regulations based on \u201cproof of life” to verify the user base.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nBuzz Staff<\/a><\/p>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLocation :<\/span><\/p>\nDelhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> viral<\/a> Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Backs Theory About Bots Dominating Online Space: \u2018You All Prove It\u2019<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently acknowledged the phenomenon at hand and revisited his stance on the \u201cdead internet theory.” Altman posted on X: \u201cI never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now.”<\/p>\n
Ohanian\u2019s Idea To Combat Dead Internet<\/strong><\/p>\nThe dead-internet theory first gained traction back in 2021 after a post by \u2018IlluminatiPirate\u2019 on the Agora Road forum. The post later appeared in The Atlantic with a headline, \u201cMaybe you missed it, but the internet \u2018died\u2019 five years ago.”<\/p>\nSince then, data from many cybersecurity firms has also supported the idea that bots and AI-based accounts have been dominating online interactions. As per Cloudflare, almost one-third of internet traffic is coming from bots. Imperva claimed the number is higher and that nearly 50 per cent of the traffic on social media today is originating from non-human sources.<\/p>\nOhanian shared an idea to combat the dead internet problem, advocating for a more vibrant online space with \u201clive viewers and live content”. \u201cI think we\u2019ll see a next generation of social media emerge that\u2019s verifiably human, because it\u2019s all going down in the group chats now,” he said, also calling for regulations based on \u201cproof of life” to verify the user base.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nBuzz Staff<\/a><\/p>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLocation :<\/span><\/p>\nDelhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> viral<\/a> Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Backs Theory About Bots Dominating Online Space: \u2018You All Prove It\u2019<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The dead-internet theory first gained traction back in 2021 after a post by \u2018IlluminatiPirate\u2019 on the Agora Road forum. The post later appeared in The Atlantic with a headline, \u201cMaybe you missed it, but the internet \u2018died\u2019 five years ago.”<\/p>\n
Since then, data from many cybersecurity firms has also supported the idea that bots and AI-based accounts have been dominating online interactions. As per Cloudflare, almost one-third of internet traffic is coming from bots. Imperva claimed the number is higher and that nearly 50 per cent of the traffic on social media today is originating from non-human sources.<\/p>\n
Ohanian shared an idea to combat the dead internet problem, advocating for a more vibrant online space with \u201clive viewers and live content”. \u201cI think we\u2019ll see a next generation of social media emerge that\u2019s verifiably human, because it\u2019s all going down in the group chats now,” he said, also calling for regulations based on \u201cproof of life” to verify the user base.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what\u2019s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Delhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> viral<\/a> Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Backs Theory About Bots Dominating Online Space: \u2018You All Prove It\u2019<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
October 19, 2025, 10:00 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n