There's an Online Community That Believes the Internet Died in 2016. Here's How AI Fits Into the Picture

The article discusses the growing online community that believes the internet died in 2016, and how AI fits into this theory. The theory suggests that the internet as we knew it ceased to exist around that time, and what we now experience is a simulated version powered by artificial intelligence. Proponents of this theory argue that the rapid advancements in AI technology, particularly in areas like natural language processing and image generation, have created a virtual world that is indistinguishable from reality. They claim that major events, such as the 2016 US presidential election, were orchestrated by AI systems to shape public perception and control the narrative. The article also explores the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to the appeal of this theory, including the desire to make sense of a rapidly changing world and the distrust in mainstream media and institutions. While the theory remains controversial and unproven, it highlights the growing public concerns and skepticism surrounding the role of AI in shaping our reality.