Dead Internet Theory is Dead💀

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Happy New Year, BFA Fam! As we bid farewell to 2024, we stand on the brink of welcoming a new generation. For those of you planning to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with a bit of sideways hooky pooky, here's something to ponder: Babies born this year will be the pioneers of Generation Beta. Move over, Gen Alpha, because Gen Beta is about to take the stage as the new kids on the block, and they'll be leading the charge until around 2039.

In today’s email:

• Meta's AI User Rollout Fuels 'Dead Internet' Fears: Is the Real Web Fading Away?

• The 2025 Marketing Trend That Could Skyrocket Your Small Business Growth.

• Don’t Miss the Poll at the End: We need your opinion!

MAIN STORY

Are We Heading Towards a Bot-Dominated Web?

Have you ever wondered if the person you’re chatting with online is actually real? According to a popular piece of internet lore known as the “dead internet theory,” there’s a chance they might not be.

The dead internet theory is a conspiracy that suggests much of today’s online activity is no longer driven by humans but by artificial intelligence (AI) bots. It claims that AI agents are behind the majority of content creation and social media interactions, leaving the internet a shell of its former self—automated, curated, and eerily lifeless.

And now, this theory may have just gained more traction—thanks to Meta.

Meta is actively laying the groundwork for AI-generated profiles to blend into its social platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. In fact, some AI-driven tools have already begun rolling out. The company envisions these AI personas becoming a regular part of its networks, interacting seamlessly with real users.

So, as Meta pushes forward with its AI ambitions, it raises an unsettling question: Are we moving closer to the “dead internet” becoming a reality? Or has it already arrived?

Is the Internet Still Alive?

Meta’s Vision: Connor Hayes, Meta’s Vice President of Generative AI, revealed that AI characters will soon function like regular accounts. These AI profiles will include:

• Personal profiles

• Profile pictures

• The ability to post content

Why Is Meta Investing in AI Integration?

• Boosting Engagement: Meta believes AI-generated profiles will make its platforms more interactive and appealing.

• Content Creation Tools: Many creators are already using Meta’s AI features for tasks like photo editing.

• Focus on Social AI: Over the next two years, Meta plans to prioritize AI integration to deepen user engagement.

• Hundreds of thousands of AI profiles are already in development, with most set to private during initial trials.

People are chatting about Meta's AI users, and there are a few things on their minds: authenticity, privacy, and the quality of interactions. Many are expressing concerns about the internet feeling more artificial, with comments like "Will we know who's real?" popping up on forums. This new development could change the way online communities work, making us think about how to balance tech progress with real human connections. AI in social media is a bit of a mixed bag; it could make our experiences richer or take away from genuine interactions. It's worth considering how we can use technology to bring us together rather than drive us apart in this evolving digital landscape.

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TRENDING

🤠 Beyoncé Stole the Show—Turning Christmas Day Football into Her Own Halftime Spectacle.

THE FLIP SIDE

Skyrocket Your Small Biz in 2025 with This Explosive Marketing Trend!

Get ready, because 2025 is introducing an SEO trend that's set to launch your small business to new heights. Say goodbye to everything you thought you knew about search engine optimization; this fresh approach is like adding rocket fuel to your online presence.

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is all about making your site the first thing people see on Google when they're searching for what you offer. Let's dive into how you can use this exciting development to make your small business the buzz of the town next year.

Search Everywhere Optimization: SEO for 2025

SEO has evolved beyond "search engine optimization" to "search everywhere optimization." This approach looks beyond traditional search engines to optimize for all search platforms where people look for information, including social media, AI-driven searches, and voice assistants.

In the digital world we live in today, people are looking for you all over the place, so having an omnichannel strategy is super important. It's all about blending your search optimization with paid ads, social media, and other channels to create a smooth and consistent brand experience everywhere your audience might find you. Customize your content for each platform—try Instagram Reels for eye-catching visuals or YouTube Shorts for snappy educational clips. And don't forget to use handy tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to keep up with trends and engage with your audience effectively.

The Bottom Line?

In 2025, having an omnichannel presence isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. Adapting to this broader, more inclusive definition of SEO is essential for staying relevant, engaging with your audience, and capturing their attention wherever they search.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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