Feb 22 • 09:35 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

The Legitimate Question About the 'Death of the Internet'

The article discusses the shift in the internet's nature from a human-centric space to one dominated by algorithms and automated systems.

The article explores the concept of the 'death of the internet', which is no longer just a technical descriptor, but rather a lens through which to understand the structural transformation of online interactions. It highlights a growing ambiguity about the identities behind online content—whether they are human or algorithm-driven. This transformation is increasingly leading to a digital landscape where algorithms generate and circulate meaning in a self-reinforcing manner, causing humans to become just one element among many in a content production system governed by software.

Furthermore, the piece emphasizes that this transition is supported by significant quantitative data. A recent security threat report from Imperva has revealed that approximately 49% of global internet traffic originates from non-human entities such as bots and automated systems. Alarmingly, harmful bots alone account for about 32% of this traffic. These statistics not only indicate a transient technical failure but also illustrate a significant demographic shift in the digital realm, where human agency is declining as the predominant force in online interaction.

Ultimately, the article raises critical questions about the implications of this evolution for digital interaction and community. This ongoing change could lead to increased feelings of digital alienation and a longing for a more human-driven internet experience. The report paints a picture of a future where the essence of online communication could be drastically different, calling for a reassessment of how we engage with the internet and the technologies that shape it.

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