SocialAI looks to remove the social and network from social networking
posted Sunday Sep 22, 2024 by Scott Ertz
If you have spent any time on social media in recent months, you might have noticed that a lot of the interaction appears to be nonsense. That's because the use of AI-powered bots has increased, both in positive and negative ways. This behavior has led to a theory, "Dead Internet Theory," that suggests that the internet is increasingly becoming sterile and lifeless because of the bots. Seemingly attempting to prove this theory correct is new solo social networking platform SocialAI, in which you are the only human.
What is the dead internet theory?
The Dead Internet Theory is an online conspiracy theory that suggests the majority of the internet is now dominated by bot activity and algorithmically generated content, rather than organic human interactions. Proponents of this theory believe that a coordinated effort has been made to replace genuine human activity with automated bots and AI-generated content to manipulate public perception and control information flow. They argue that this shift began around 2016 or 2017, and that government agencies and large corporations are behind this manipulation to influence consumer behavior and public opinion.
Critics of the Dead Internet Theory point out that while there is an observable increase in bot traffic and AI-generated content, the idea that the internet is mostly "dead" is an exaggeration. They acknowledge that bots and algorithms do play a significant role in shaping online experiences, but they argue that human activity still constitutes a substantial portion of internet interactions. Despite its controversial nature, the theory has gained traction in online communities and has sparked discussions about the authenticity and integrity of online content.
SocialAI is here to make the theory real
SocialAI is a new take on social networking. Under normal circumstances, many users post to their friends, families, and followers in the hopes of getting comments and likes. These users are looking for the dopamine hit when someone interacts with their posts. However, with SocialAI, that's not the case.
On this dystopian nightmare of a social experiment, all of the interactions that you receive are from bots. The likes, comments, and potentially shares, all come from an algorithm designed specifically to bump your dopamine levels. The system also creates a feed of perfectly curated nonsense also created by the AI system.
The response has been mixed
There are some people who have found the platform interesting. Reviews on the App Store currently sit above 4 out of 5. Many users seem to be using the platform less for the virtual cache and more for self reflection. One user said,
I've been using SocialAI for a while now, and it's been an incredible tool for both reflection and connection. The AI-powered conversations feel tailored to my thoughts and moods, making it a great space for journaling or just venting. It's refreshing to have a social app that focuses on *you* and doesn't rely on real users, which creates a unique, private experience. I also love the therapeutic aspect, as it feels like you're always heard and supported by a community of AI followers. Overall, it's a fantastic tool for personal growth and mental wellness, especially if you're looking for a safe space to express yourself. Highly recommend!
Others have found the platform to be creepy. It has been compared to the AI girlfriend platforms that are designed for lonely people to pretend that they have friends. For many, it literally exacerbates problems with human interaction and intimacy. This platform seemingly has similar potential side effects. Like many of the public critics, I feel like if someone wanted to create a personal torture environment for me, this concept would be it.
