The Dead Internet Theory – Why Some Believe the Web is No Longer Alive

28 August 2025

Paul Francis

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

The internet has long been described as a “living” network, a chaotic digital ecosystem buzzing with human creativity. But what if much of it was not alive at all? That is the provocative claim of the Dead Internet Theory, a fringe yet increasingly discussed idea that suggests bots and algorithms have quietly replaced human users across much of the web.

A hooded figure stands in a dim room, filled with tangled wires and old computers. Blue glowing screen with code, creating a mysterious vibe.

Where Did the Dead Internet Theory Come From?

The phrase first gained traction in the early 2020s on forums such as 4chan and later spread into wider digital culture. Proponents argue that somewhere around 2016 to 2017, the internet changed. They claim that organic human activity began to fade, replaced by a flood of automated bots, recycled content, and AI-generated material.

The Dead Internet Theory taps into broader concerns about the authenticity of online life. With so much engagement driven by algorithms, sponsored posts, and artificially boosted accounts, some began to ask: how much of the internet is really us?

The Link to Platforms Like Twitch

The recent revelations from Twitch, where bot purges caused a near-quarter drop in viewership, have given the theory new attention. For believers, it is proof that a large share of online activity is synthetic. If one of the internet’s most interactive platforms was propped up by artificial viewers, what does that say about the wider digital landscape?

The fear is that what looks like a bustling, vibrant network may in reality be sustained by smoke and mirrors.

How Bots Shape the Web

Bots are not inherently malicious. They can automate useful tasks such as indexing websites for search engines or scanning for cybersecurity threats. But the line between helpful automation and manipulative deception is thin. On social media, bots can inflate follower counts, sway political discourse, or amplify viral trends. On streaming platforms, they can make creators appear far more popular than they really are.

As artificial intelligence tools advance, bots are becoming harder to spot. Entire conversations, articles, or even video content can now be generated without a human in the loop. To the casual user, it may be impossible to tell the difference.

Critics of the Theory

Not everyone buys the Dead Internet Theory. Skeptics argue that while bots and algorithms are undeniably widespread, the idea that the internet is “dead” is more paranoia than reality. They suggest the theory reflects a cultural unease about how digital spaces are evolving, rather than evidence of a literal takeover.

Indeed, internet use is at record highs, and platforms continue to see strong human participation. For many, the web feels more alive than ever — but it is also noisier, more commercialised, and more curated by algorithms.

Why It Resonates

Despite criticism, the theory strikes a chord because it captures something many feel: that the online world has become less authentic. Whether it is influencer marketing that feels staged, news feeds shaped by opaque algorithms, or “viral” trends that turn out to be manufactured, the sense of the internet as a wild frontier of creativity has faded.

The Dead Internet Theory may not be literally true, but it reflects a very real anxiety — that in chasing scale, profit, and engagement, the internet has lost some of its human soul.

Looking Ahead

The Twitch bot purge has put questions of authenticity back in the spotlight. As more platforms confront inflated numbers and AI-driven content, debates around what is “real” online will only intensify.

Whether or not the internet is “dead”, the theory highlights the need for transparency. As users, we crave connection to other humans — not to machines pretending to be them. The future of the internet may hinge on how platforms, regulators, and communities choose to preserve that human core.

Current Most Read

Raja Jackson: Wrestling Dreams Derailed After Assault Allegations

Twitch Faces a Reality Check as Bot Crackdown Cuts Viewership by Nearly a Quarter

Tate McRae: From YouTube Videos to Global Arenas

Ellie Waiton
Jul 2
2 min read

Tate McRae holding an iHeart Radio mic, smiling in a casual setting. Background has green plant and abstract art with warm tones. — By iHeartRadioCA, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137984619

If you’ve kept an eye on pop music over the past few years, Tate McRae is a name that’s hard to miss. What started as a YouTube channel called Create With Tate has now grown into a full-blown global music career. At just 22, she’s not only topping charts but also selling out arenas around the world, and doing it with style, talent, and hard work.

Tate McRae is a star in the making

Tate first caught attention with her YouTube channel Create With Tate, where she posted original songs and dance routines straight from her bedroom. One of her early uploads, “One Day,” went viral thanks to its emotional lyrics and stripped back performance. It was clear early on, Tate wasn’t just talented, she was relatable, real, and already finding her voice.

Her big break

In 2020, Tate released the hit single “you broke me first,” which exploded on TikTok and streamed into global charts. The heartbreak anthem connected with a wide audience, especially young listeners who felt every word. It proved that Tate had more than just potential; she had staying power. The song reached multi platinum status and helped push her into the spotlight.

A performer

What makes Tate McRae unique is her background in competitive dance. She was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance at just 13, and that training still shows in her performances. Her live shows blend vocals and choreography in a way that’s polished yet emotional, think powerhouse pop with the energy of a dance showcase. You’re not just getting a concert; you’re getting a full performance experience.

Now she’s touring

Fast forward to now, and Tate is touring across North America, Europe, and beyond. She’s played major festivals, appeared on global award shows, and sold out headline concerts. Her stage presence, paired with strong vocals and sharp dance moves, makes her one of the most exciting young performers to watch.

Why she's different

Tate McRae stands out because she’s the full package. She writes her own songs, often drawing from personal experiences, and she’s involved in the creative direction of her performances. She’s also deeply connected to her fans through social media, sharing everything from behind-the-scenes moments to honest thoughts about life and growth.

She represents the new wave of pop stars, multifaceted, relatable, and self-made.

What’s next for Tate McRae?

With more music on the way and a growing global fanbase, Tate’s only just getting started. Her evolution from a teen with a camera to a world-touring artist is nothing short of inspiring, and there’s no doubt she’ll continue pushing boundaries in both music and performance.