Reddit Cofounder Alexis Ohanian Claims a Significant Portion of the Internet is Dead
Alexis Ohanian, the cofounder of Reddit, expressed concerns about the current state of the internet. During a TBPN podcast episode, Ohanian praised hosts John Coogan and Jordi Hays while lamenting that the internet has lost its human touch. He declared that much of it is now “dead.”
Key Concerns
Ohanian specifically mentioned the excessive presence of bots and quasi-artificial intelligence, which contribute to the internet’s declining vibrancy. He referenced the “dead internet theory,” which suggests there might be more bot activity than human interaction online.
Reactions from Tech Leaders
Supporting this notion, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently observed an increase in AI-managed accounts on platforms like Twitter. He noted these developments while engaging in discussions about internet authenticity.
The Future of Social Media
Ohanian sees potential for a new wave of social media platforms, emphasizing genuine human interaction. He believes these platforms will need “live viewers and live content” to maintain user attention effectively.
Rise of Group Chats
Recently, platforms like Signal and Discord have gained popularity for fostering human connections. People now prefer sharing personal thoughts in group chats instead of on broader social media networks.
- Users are shifting to more private, group-based communications over traditional social media.
- Group chats provide a space for authentic human interaction, although AI involvement still presents challenges.
Ohanian considers these chats a gold standard for real information sharing. However, he warns of AI’s growing role in these spaces, indicating a need for innovation in maintaining human-centric online communication.
Looking Ahead
The drive towards authenticity suggests evolving social media landscapes, where proof of humanity becomes essential. As technology advances, the demand for genuine content and interaction will likely shape the future of the internet.
