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Bots now drive most web traffic as AI use accelerates
The “dead internet theory” says bots and other non-human actors now dominate online activity, making digital spaces feel less human. Once a fringe idea on internet forums, it has gained attention as AI tools become more capable and generate more content. The trend matters because automated accounts can shape what people see and spread disinformation, including election-related claims.
A 2026 report from cybersecurity group Thales found bots accounted for 53 per cent of web traffic, up from 51 per cent the previous year. Pew Research figures cited in the article show that 49 per cent of Americans had used chatbots by 2026, compared with 33 per cent in 2024, and a quarter used them daily. Responses include AI detection tools and OpenAI’s watermarking of AI-generated content following the EU AI Act.
In short
- Bots generated 53 per cent of web traffic in 2026.
- Nearly half of Americans had used chatbots.
- AI content raises concerns about disinformation and human connection.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Engadget as “What is the ‘Dead Internet Theory’ and should humanity be worried?”.