This is known as the Dead Internet Theory -- that it's mostly bots talking to bots, as online ad revenue is ultimately driven by views and clicks, and there is

This is known as the Dead Internet Theory -- that it's mostly bots talking to bots, as online ad revenue is ultimately driven by views and clicks, and there is a strong incentive to "shape consensus" via marketing and propaganda bot accounts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Internet_theory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Internet_theory As bots start to proliferate, people will engage less, or take up digital residence in spheres that seem (emphasis on 'seem') less impacted by these trends. Example: I stopped looking for things on Amazon, and look on other sites first, then check if Amazon has the identical item -- too many "sponsored ads" and marketplace garbage. And I am weary if it's not "sold by Amazon". If I could I'd stop using Amazon entirely, but for now it's still adequate. Similar idea with a lot of Reddit communities -- at this point I've shaved down all of the front page ones and mostly stick to niche subs.