In a surprising turn of events, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, recently voiced serious concerns about the state of the internet. Once a skeptic, Altman now finds himself taking the so-called “dead internet theory” seriously—a theory that suggests the internet is increasingly dominated not by humans but by bots, AI-driven accounts, and algorithmically generated content. This revelation is stirring a significant conversation about authenticity, trust, and the very future of online interactions.
The “Dead Internet Theory” Explained
The dead internet theory posits that much of what passes as organic human content online is actually artificial. Bots, AI-generated text, and automated accounts increasingly flood platforms like Twitter (now X) and Reddit, making it difficult to distinguish genuine human engagement from manufactured noise. Initially dismissed as a conspiracy, the theory is gaining traction, especially as AI technologies become more advanced and widely adopted.
Altman recently admitted on his social platform X that he never took this theory seriously until he started noticing an overwhelming number of Twitter accounts run by large language models (LLMs) like those behind ChatGPT. The irony is palpable: the creator of one of the most influential AI language models now fears AI could be making the internet feel “dead” and less human.
The Irony of Altman’s Position
Altman’s public expression of concern has stirred reactions, some of which highlight the contradiction in his role. Many point out that OpenAI’s development and popularization of AI-driven language models have contributed substantially to the explosion of AI-generated content online. This content ranges from helpful and engaging to misleading and spammy. Critics and observers have humorously replied to Altman with ChatGPT-style responses and memes, accentuating the irony that the pioneer behind this wave is now calling attention to its negative consequences.
The Reality: Bots and AI Content are Everywhere
The data paints a stark picture. Cybersecurity firms like Imperva report that by 2023, 49% of internet traffic was generated by bots, a figure that increased to 51% in 2024, meaning more traffic on the internet is now produced by automated systems than by humans. Of these bots, 37% are malicious, spreading fake news and disinformation. Furthermore, there is a proliferation of “AI slop”—low-quality AI-generated content that clutters the digital ecosystem, exacerbating the problem of authenticity and trust.
Altman’s Observations on Social Media Platforms
Highlighting his unease, Altman remarked that platforms like Twitter and Reddit increasingly feel “fake.” He pointed to subreddit communities where enthusiastic praise for OpenAI’s tools such as Codex felt suspiciously uniform and artificial, suspecting “astroturfing” — a tactic where opinions are deliberately manufactured to create a false appearance of widespread support or opposition. Altman also noted how human users increasingly adopt AI-like language patterns, while bots are trained to mimic humans, making it harder than ever to decode genuine intent.
Possible Hidden Motives Behind Altman’s Statements
Some analysts and users speculate that Altman’s public worries might serve strategic purposes. One suggestion is that by highlighting the dominance of bots in negative feedback, Altman may be indirectly discrediting criticism of OpenAI’s products like the much-anticipated GPT-5. Others propose that these statements serve to deflect attention from internal challenges OpenAI might be facing or to undermine competing companies by casting doubt on the authenticity of their claims or user engagement.
The State of GPT-5 and AI Developments
GPT-5, OpenAI’s upcoming AI model, has attracted considerable hype but also cautious skepticism. Industry insiders reveal that enhancements compared to GPT-4 could be incremental rather than revolutionary, focusing mainly on improved reasoning and coding capabilities. Rumors suggest that initial versions of GPT-5 did not meet high expectations, leading to branding adjustments and ongoing development. These factors contribute to a complex backdrop for Altman’s comments and the broader discussion on AI’s impact on digital spaces.
What the Future May Hold
Altman’s concerns reflect broader anxieties about the evolving internet landscape. As AI-driven content and bot traffic dominate, the question arises: will the internet remain a space for human connection, or will it morph into a platform where authenticity is increasingly rare? While AI offers tremendous benefits for automation, creativity, and accessibility, the risks of misinformation, manipulation, and eroded trust are real.
Technologists, platform operators, and users are now challenged to find ways to identify, manage, and mitigate the influence of non-human actors online. Some initiatives, including Altman’s own World Network project, aim to verify genuine human identity through biometric means to help combat the proliferation of bots.
Sam Altman’s awakening to the “dead internet” phenomenon raises vital questions about the future of online discourse. As much as OpenAI and similar technologies have fueled AI-driven content growth, the downside is clear: an increasingly “fake” internet where trust is fragile, and the lines between human and machine blur. Whether Altman’s concerns are entirely candid or partially strategic, they spotlight a critical moment in digital history — one demanding transparency, innovation, and responsibility to preserve the human element in the world wide web.