BOTS TAKE OVER: HUMANS AND AI NOW EQUAL ON WEB, FEARS GROW OVER 'DEAD INTERNET'

With an increasingly digital world, the lines distinguishing human interaction from programmed responses are becoming more blurred. According to a recent report from cyber security firm, Imperva, nearly half of all internet traffic in 2021 was generated by bots. This surge, which marks an increase of 2 percent from last year and the highest rate since the report's inception in 2013, may well be indicative of what the future has in store for the internet landscape.

Behind this rise in bot traffic is the widespread adoption of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models. These AI technologies have made it possible for bots to generate content or interact in a way that mimics human behaviour, effectively blurring the lines between man and machine.

More alarmingly, however, the report emphasizes that bots are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Now, these automated internet wanderers often originate from residential internet connections, giving them the veneer of legitimacy and making them even harder to detect and differentiate from genuine human users.

This significant rise in bot activity is by no means inconsequential. A stark illustration of its impact can be seen on platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter. Here, automated accounts are causing upheaval as their interactions contribute to an extensive amount of noise, distort 'trending topics', and in some cases, spread disinformation or agendas at a scale no human active user can compete with.

While the challenges posed by bots are clearly apparent, solutions to the problem are contentious. Recently, Elon Musk, the owner of X, proposed charging users for their posts and interactions as a way to mitigate bot proliferation. The argument is that by controlling the economics of posting, bots would have more to lose from engaging in disruptive behaviour. However, this proposition may limit the free accessibility of such platforms, a fundamental cornerstone for its user base.

Furthermore, it's important to note that the phenomenon of bot interference is not isolated to X. Platforms like Facebook and TikTok are also at the receiving end of this bot intrusion, with automated content posing as real and creating an environment full of distortions, while potentially manipulating public opinion and behavior.

The stakes are undoubtedly high. As we move into a future more integrated with the digital world, the proliferation of bots and their influence on internet traffic is a mounting concern. If left unchecked, this could drastically reshape our online interactions and the nature of digital platforms.

As we continue to develop AI and push the boundaries of what technology can do, the issue of bots is inseparable from the broader dialogue about ethical AI usage and digital responsibility. Ensuring a secure, reliable and accurate internet will require combined efforts from tech companies, users, and policymakers alike. The rise of bots might be a challenge thrown upon us, but it can be transformed into an opportunity to re-evaluate, innovate and improve our virtual spaces.