Numbers don’t lie! Algorithms, bots, and sophisticated AI systems are all over the internet. But what harm do they pose to human beings? Of course, good bots exist, but from the look of things, the tables are turning – evil entities are taking over. Algorithmic bias is also hurting the modern web.
Technically, algorithmic bias occurs when systematic errors in machine learning algorithms produce unfair or discriminatory outcomes. It often reflects or reinforces existing socioeconomic, racial, gender biases, and other forms of discrimination.
Are we talking to bots online?
By definition, a bot is an autonomous program on the internet or another network that can interact with systems or users. Some of these programs suppress human activities online. In fact, our visibility and voices in the tech space are fading faster than we can imagine.
The internet we knew is now flooded with artificial content. Bots pretend to be humans, and humans behave like machines to capture attention. By the way, algorithms shape culture; bots control conversations, while artificial intelligence fills the silence with endless content.
Algorithms are designed to prioritize what seems to grab attention. Such programs reward content based on engagement, which explains why some posts perform better online than others. For instance, if a meme goes viral, it will attract even more impressions, comments, likes, and shares.
That illustrates how biased algorithms can become excited and manipulate (exaggerate) perception.
Well, all these drama marked the genesis of online bot infestation. Since everyone is seeking attention and competing with programs, machines have mastered their game. Apparently, more than 50% of online traffic today is fake. Bot activities are prevalent than we can realize.
There is a high possibility you are not reading the internet… the internet is reading you. But, where did the rain start beating us?
The Old Internet versus Modern Web
Before 2016 or 2017, the internet was clean, interesting, and real. It contained rich human content, blended with creativity, unique discoveries, niche forums, eye-catching websites, and independent personal blogs. Later on, the web transformed into something else, which has led to dire consequences.
Some big, malicious firms introduced all-purpose networks that swallowed the old niches. They went further, implementing harsh algorithms on external links. If you doubt this, try posting your company’s website link on any social media today and tell us how many views, likes, or comments it will attract…
More so, we are observing the startup kill zone effects. Anyway, that is a story for another day.
Profitable businesses that once relied on the internet to attract organic sales no longer exist. Some are struggling because of artificial content, which has far replaced human engagement. Still, very few companies are aware of this unfavorable trend. Following 2017, people began to witness elements of fake content on the internet.
Based on the bot traffic trend, humanity has more questions than answers. If click farms exist, what if the millions of likes and views spotted on most celebrities’ YouTube videos are fake? Moreover, are businesses spending billions of dollars on online ads that yield non-human engagement?
Read Also: Ad Fraud Exposed: The Hidden Threat of Ghost Profiles, Fraudulent Bots, and Fake Clicks
Case Studies and Strange Examples
The evidence of fake internet is transparent. For instance, Elon Musk’s X was infiltrated by bot armies – pushing political content. In fact, Musk rolled out small monthly subscriptions for X users in an effort aimed at inhibiting bots. These programs regularly hijack trends and post uniform phrases.
On the other hand, Amazon’s fake reviews are mostly written by AI. TikTok also introduced a bizarre trend of NPC Livestreams, whereas YouTube comments have strange, generic messages.
Last but not least, we have click farms everywhere selling fake engagement.
Hello…, don’t you think something sinister has intruded on today’s internet?
What’s more, the modern web is controlled by government agencies, tech giants, and sophisticated AI programs. Some of these bodies do so for commercial purposes, while others shape perception and guide the consumption of online content.
Additionally, bots steer conversations with fake engagements, spam, and non-human profiles. Did you know that bot farms also exist?
Real World Impact of Bots on the Modern Internet
- Bot networks control politics.
- Malicious programs manipulate stock markets.
- Algorithms spread fake engagements and propaganda.
- Bot influence suppresses organic engagement – it interferes with human visibility online.
These programs spread viruses, crash websites, scam people, manipulate discussions, and steal data. Worst of all, fake traffic wastes precious time for companies. Such activities erode trust.
People are losing confidence in the internet because they cannot sell any service or product to a bot that masquerades as a human being!
It’s imperative to acknowledge the significance of genuine people in the digital spaces. Real human interaction is fundamental for our existence and well-being. Let’s not allow algorithms to shape our politics, socioeconomic engagement, and cultures.
Recently, I engaged with some people about this matter, and the majority confirmed that 2017 was the last time they made reasonable profits from organic traffic. These revelations suggest that machines have intruded on our social interaction spaces, and we are in a big trap.
Guys, we are losing the battle to bots and algorithms. In fact, don’t be surprised to see fake profiles everywhere. Perhaps the last time you interacted with a real person online was a month ago.
What is the way forward? Should we conduct a complete overhaul of the internet, but how?
As much as artificial intelligence is here to assist us, we should use it with high responsibility. Malicious actors are using AI programs to develop evil bots for their own benefit. Nowadays, deepfakes are all over our headlines – another set of technology used to spread false information.
The following table outlines some of the good and bad bots that exist today.
Examples of Bots
| Good Bots | Evil Bots |
| Chatbots are available for customer service and virtual assistance. | DDoS bots crash websites. |
| Search engine bots (Crawlers & Spiders) systematically scan and index web pages to make content discoverable in search engine results. Googlebot is a good example of such bots. | Deceptive social media bots spread disinformation or promote specific political or social narratives by mimicking authentic user accounts and interactions. They can be used to create fake online outrage, amplify propaganda, or influence public opinion. |
| Site monitoring bots track website performance. | Malicious chatterbots are designed to engage users in human-like conversation, often on dating websites and apps, with the intent to obtain personal information like credit card numbers or exploit victims. |
| Vulnerability scanning bots are automated programs that attackers or researchers use to identify security weaknesses in websites, applications, and networks. | Spambots flood social media with unsolicited content, such as comments or instant messages containing malicious links designed to steal data or download malware onto users’ devices. |
| Scraper bots are used by businesses to scan and download specific information, like live product prices across different retail platforms, helping customers find the best deals. | Scalper bots buy up concert or event tickets. |
| Commercial bots are automated programs that search the internet for specific information on behalf of businesses or organizations. | Carding bots steal credit card information. |
| Marketing bots, such as AhrefsBot and SEMrushBot, crawl websites to gather data on backlinks, keywords, and visitor volumes, aiding in SEO and content marketing efforts. | Click fraud bots repeatedly click on digital ads, inflating an advertiser’s costs and generating revenue for bot operators, ultimately misleading advertisers. |
| Virtual Assistants crawl the web to provide precise verbal responses to user queries. Such bots include Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. | Account takeover bots steal credentials. |
Vulnerability scanning bots are somehow grey; they can help to identify cybersecurity weaknesses. However, bad actors may also use them for malicious tasks.
Recommendations
Perhaps, we should:
- Sanitize the internet by encouraging strict human verification; let’s clear unnecessary bots if possible.
- Burst and shame all biased algorithms.
- Maintain encryption.
- Moderate the use of artificial intelligence – it is unfair if a human being accesses open source codes and develops a malicious bot that harms fellow beings.
- Go hard on social media; humans want organic and genuine information, not less authentic content spearheaded by bots.
Parting Shot
I will wind up this article by advising you to read the Dead Internet Theory. What if we are now starting to realize its real effects? The corporate web feels sterile. All in all, the internet is not dead yet, but it is sleeping in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Suspicious replies and bizarre content still dominate social media. Where did humans go?
People can no longer interact and make a decent living due to bot traffic!
While we are busy tackling climate change, cybersecurity, ad fraud, and other threats affecting humans today, let’s open up a candid conversation about the future of the Internet. We don’t want a web that is more manipulated – algorithmically amplified precisely because it generates engagement. What’s next after machines replace us all?
