Reddit serves as a real-world manifestation of the Dead Internet Theory. Many of you who are well-versed in this topic are already aware of this, particularly considering that the USA, Brazil, and India host the largest networks of bots. These countries also engage in a capitalist practice where shills are paid mere fractions of a penny for each post, often surfacing in discussions that mention specific keywords, like an oligarch’s name or a country’s name.
The moderation team in Reddit’s general division seems to facilitate this situation through various incentives.
As a result, we may need to turn to the darknet and utilize private IRC channels for genuine discourse.
This is all reminiscent of the concepts of “Newspeak” and “thought crime” from Orwell’s 1984.
It’s interesting to see how people are connecting the dots between online discussions and larger societal issues like surveillance, manipulation, and control of information. The idea that platforms like Reddit could be influenced by bots and paid shills isn’t far-fetched, especially considering the vast amount of money spent on online marketing and influence.
The “Dead Internet Theory” posits that much of what we see online is manufactured, which raises important questions about authenticity in our communications. If moderation teams allow or turn a blind eye to these practices, it can undermine trust in the platform itself.
Moving to the darknet or using private IRCs might seem like a solution, but those spaces also come with their own risks and challenges. It’s a complicated landscape—how do we foster genuine discussion without falling victim to manipulation? While the reference to Orwell’s “1984” and concepts like “Newspeak” provoke thought, it’s critical to remember that awareness and proactive measures in our digital citizenship can help counteract these trends. Engaging in thoughtful and transparent discussions might just be the key to reclaiming that authenticity.