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.”
Why would anyone use this?
Why would anyone make this?
It’s the same as Replika, some people just like the idea of socializing with “someone” that is 100% on your side.
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
I think the “anyone” here really means: “why would average Joe use this?”
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.
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
Someone should test it out as an experimental treatment for gangstalking delusions
You mean Reddit?
Oh.
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?
Use Kagi. It’s worth it!
Kagi searches are tied to your account.
Shit.
Kagi sounds like the smell of puke. I hope it means something better.
r/SubredditSimulator
Some absolute comedy gold came out of that sub. I was sad when they shut it down.
It’s a “being popular on Reddit” simulator. Everything you say generates discussion, but it’s all bots talking nonsense.
Ai will kill social media
Will anything of value be lost?
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