For the past few years, a conspiracy theory called “Dead Internet theory” has picked up speed as large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT increasingly generate text and even social media interactions found online. The theory says that most social Internet activity today is artificial and designed to manipulate humans for engagement.

On Monday, software developer Michael Sayman launched a new AI-populated social network app called SocialAI that feels like it’s bringing that conspiracy theory to life, allowing users to interact solely with AI chatbots instead of other humans. It’s available on the iPhone app store, but so far, it’s picking up pointed criticism.

After its creator announced SocialAI as “a private social network where you receive millions of AI-generated comments offering feedback, advice & reflections on each post you make,” computer security specialist Ian Coldwater quipped on X, “This sounds like actual hell.” Software developer and frequent AI pundit Colin Fraser expressed a similar sentiment: “I don’t mean this like in a mean way or as a dunk or whatever but this actually sounds like Hell. Like capital H Hell.”

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    45 hours ago

    It’s a “being popular on Reddit” simulator. Everything you say generates discussion, but it’s all bots talking nonsense.

    • @Asidonhopo
      link
      English
      24 hours ago

      Someone should test it out as an experimental treatment for gangstalking delusions

    • El Barto
      link
      66 hours ago

      I’d use it for entertainment. But I would never ever take it seriously. It’s like chatting with the so-called “NPCs” in immersive video games.

      It would be amusing for about 2 solid minutes.

    • @Lanusensei87
      link
      10
      edit-2
      8 hours ago

      It’s the same as Replika, some people just like the idea of socializing with “someone” that is 100% on your side.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      9
      edit-2
      9 hours ago

      I might and the answer is for science and curiosity.

      There is a lot you can learn from simulations, this is on premise incredibly valuable for researchers and industry. I bet Facebook and twitter have been doing this internally for years.

      What i don’t understand is why its marketed as private social media rather then a a cool simulation research tool

    • subignition
      link
      fedilink
      79 hours ago

      Can’t answer your first question, but to the second, it’s probably a portfolio piece for someone looking to get a job working with GenAI. There’s, unfortunately, a lot of money in it right now

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    159 hours ago

    I just discovered that search engines have started heavily including AI shit in their picture results. Why would I want an entire social-network-worth’s of that?

  • @Evotech
    link
    78 hours ago

    Ai will kill social media