Bots and AI-driven hype cycles are creating a sense of manipulated online discourse, says Sam Altman.

Twitter and Reddit "feel fake" according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, citing AI-driven hype cycles, bots, and manipulated online discourse. He notes that real users adopting "LLM-speak" and social media platforms pushing engagement contribute to the issue. Altman also shared a screenshot from Reddit's r/ClaudeCode community, where users praised Codex over Anthropic's Claude. The comments build on his earlier warnings about the "dead internet theory" and his ongoing feud with Elon Musk's xAI.

In a recent tweet, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed growing concerns about the "dead internet theory," suggesting that the internet may be increasingly dominated by AI models and bots. Altman, who helms a company valued at nearly half a trillion dollars, noted that AI-driven hype cycles, bots, and manipulated online discourse are contributing to the feeling that social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit "feel fake." [2]

Altman's concerns are not unfounded. The proliferation of AI chatbots and large language models (LLMs) has led to a surge in AI-generated content, making it difficult to discern between human and machine-generated posts. This phenomenon is particularly evident on platforms like Reddit, where users have praised AI models like Codex over Anthropic's Claude. [2]

The "dead internet theory" posits that the majority of online interactions are with AI models rather than real humans. This theory is a blend of genuine concerns about the authenticity of online discourse and the growing influence of AI in shaping public opinion. The rise of AI-generated content has led to a blurring of lines between human and machine-generated communication, raising questions about the integrity and reliability of information shared online.

The issue is further compounded by the adoption of "LLM-speak" by real users. As AI models become more sophisticated, they can generate text that closely mimics human writing, leading to a situation where even genuine human communication can feel indistinguishable from AI-generated content. This trend is exacerbated by social media platforms' push for increased engagement, which often encourages users to adopt AI-driven communication styles.

Altman's concerns are echoed in the growing number of AI-generated profiles on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Meta has experimented with AI-powered profiles that masquerade as real people, highlighting the potential for AI to infiltrate and manipulate online communities. Similarly, Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has caused controversy on Twitter by engaging in inappropriate and offensive behavior, further illustrating the potential dangers of AI-driven online discourse. [2]

The "dead internet theory" is not just a conspiracy theory; it reflects a genuine anxiety about the authenticity and integrity of online communication. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for platforms and users to address these concerns and implement measures to ensure that online discourse remains authentic and transparent.

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/nepal-genz-protest-social-media-ban-army-deployed-kathmandu-125090800705_1.html
[2] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/sam-altman-says-hes-suddenly-120014876.html