The ‘Dead Internet Theory’ started emerging in forums like 4chan or Wizardchan in the late 2010s.On August 31st 2021, The Atlantic published an article titled <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/08/dead-internet-theory-wrong-but-feels-true/619937/">Maybe You Missed It, but the Internet ‘Died’ Five Years Ago. </a> This brought the ‘Dead Internet Theory’ to mainstream media.Read the entire article for free <a href="https://trajectorymatrix.substack.com/p/getting-to-grips-with-the-dead-internet">here</a>.

Origin

And it suggests that a significant portion of the content you see online is bot-dominated and algorithm-driven, sidelining genuine human engagement. This means that automated systems, rather than real people, are shaping what we see and how we engage online, leading to less genuine human interaction on the internet.

It’s a conspiracy theory…

But certain trends and observations support its claims. Keep in mind that these data points don't definitively prove the theory, but contribute to ongoing debates:Bot Traffic: According to a <a href="https://www.imperva.com/resources/reports/2023-Imperva-Bad-Bot-Report.pdf">2023 report by Imperva</a>, bots accounted for <a href="https://www.imperva.com/resources/reports/2023-Imperva-Bad-Bot-Report.pdf">37.9%</a> of all web traffic. These bots range from search engine crawlers to malicious bots.Social Media Bots: About <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1712976/half-instagram-influencers-engaged-fraud-45-per-cent-accounts-fake#:~:text=US%7C-,More%20than%20half%20of%20Instagram%20influencers%20'engaged%20in%20fraud'%2C,percentage%20point%20decrease%20from%202019.">45% on Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.invespcro.com/blog/influencer-marketing-fraud/">15% on Twitter</a>, and 5% on Facebook, are thought to be automated bots pretending to be real people.

There's Not Much Evidence Backing the "Dead Internet Theory"...

Have you ever noticed that the content you see on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Google feels eerily tailored to your interests? That's because these platforms use sophisticated algorithms to curate content specifically for you.While this may seem convenient, it can create what's known as an "echo chamber" or "filter bubble," where you're mainly exposed to viewpoints and content that align with your existing beliefs and interests. This can limit your exposure to diverse perspectives and potentially narrow your worldview.

The decline in organic engagement also adds to this…

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Swaying public opinion</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The phenomenon of vanity metrics</li></ul>Learn more <a href="https://trajectorymatrix.substack.com/p/getting-to-grips-with-the-dead-internet">here.</a>

Let’s assume it’s true. What is fueling it?

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Clickbait and Ad Revenue : Bots generate clicks, views, and engagement, which benefit advertisers. Some platforms inadvertently profit from bot-driven interactions.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Inflated Metrics : Metrics like likes, shares, and followers lose meaning when bots artificially inflate them. This affects marketing decisions and resource allocation.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Conundrums : Platforms face ethical questions about whether to prioritize user experience or financial gains.</li></ul>There is more. Read it for free <a href="https://trajectorymatrix.substack.com/p/getting-to-grips-with-the-dead-internet">here</a>.

The Future of the Internet

sciencefiction

Science Fiction

technologyandthefuture

Technology & The Future

computerscience

Computer Science

artificialintelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Getting to Grips with the 'Dead Internet Theory'

Deepfake is an advanced digital manipulation technique that uses artificial intelligence algorithms, specifically machine learning and neural networks, to create realistic-looking fake videos or images (synthetic media). These manipulated media can convincingly depict people doing or saying things that never actually occurred in reality.Read the entire article <a href="https://trajectorymatrix.substack.com/p/the-tactics-of-deepfake-creators">here</a>.

What is Deepfake?

Deepfake creators are continually refining their techniques to evade detection. They leverage advancements in AI, particularly in machine learning and neural networks, to improve the realism of deepfakes. As detection methods become more sophisticated, so will the generation techniques, resulting in a perpetual cat-and-mouse game.

Deepfake Generation

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Researchers predict that by 2026, as much as <a href="https://idc-a.org/news/industry/AI-Experts-Predict-By-2026-90-Of-Online-Content/127ab0c0-34ba-4c03-8bad-1e4f21923f31">90% of online content </a>could be synthetically generated. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">In 2024, <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/4-ways-to-future-proof-against-deepfakes-in-2024-and-beyond/">disinformation </a>has been identified as a leading global threat, with the use of deepfakes standing out as one of the most concerning applications of AI. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">The amount of deepfake content online surged by <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/05/how-can-we-combat-the-worrying-rise-in-deepfake-content/">900% </a>from 2019 to 2020. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">The deepfake AI market is experiencing significant growth, with forecasts predicting a jump from USD 7.0 billion in 2024 to <a href="https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/deepfake-ai-market-256823035.html">USD 38.5 billion </a>by 2030, driven by a strong CAGR of 33.5%. </li></ul>

Key Data

1. Deep Learning Algorithms2. Forensic Analysis3. Digital Watermarking4. Blockchain Technology5. Biometric Comparison6. Audio Analysis7. Liveness Detection8. Multifactor Authentication9. Sentinel & FakeCatcher10. WeVerify & Microsoft’s Video Authenticator Tool

The Detection Methods Used by Experts to Identify Deepfake

Improving Resolution, Better Face-Swapping Techniques, Refining Audio, GAN Refinement, and Adaptive Learning are some of the tactics they follow to dodge the detection methods.

How do Deepfake Creators Evade the Anti-Fraud Measures?

Outsmarting the algorithms to always stay one step ahead.

Outsmarting the algorithms to always stay one step ahead

creativity

Creativity

cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

The Tactics of Deepfake Creators

AI cryptocurrencies really took off between January and February this year (2024), reaching <a href="https://www.ccn.com/news/crypto/ai-crypto-dominance-shifts-us-uk-turkey-top-players/">257% </a>. Bittensor, Render, and Fetch.ai were the stars among the top 25 AI coins during this time. It's not just the big players though. Smaller AI coins also gained attention and made their way into the ‘top’ list.Read the entire article <a href="https://trajectorymatrix.substack.com/p/the-explosive-rise-of-ai-crypto">here</a>.

AI Coins

In the crypto market, a few key countries dominate the market share for AI crypto coins. The US (18.9%) and the UK (9.14%) are at the forefront, with Southeast Asia also showing a strong interest in these coins.

In 2023, countries like the UK, the US, India, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines led the way in meme coins. Currently, these countries continue to react quickly to trends in the crypto market, this time towards AI cryptos.

Leading Countries

AI tokens are digital currencies that fuel AI projects on blockchain platforms. They have 3 main purposes:
<ul>
<li> Use: AI tokens are used for transactions, accessing data, and engaging in platform activities.</li>
<li> Governance: Some tokens grant holders voting rights to the project's development decisions.</li>
<li> Incentives: Users can earn tokens by contributing to the project through providing data or computational resources.</li>
</ul>

AI Tokens: Fueling the Future of AI

AI and blockchain are expected to continue their upward trajectory in the next 5 years, with new highs in market value and increased integration between the two technologies. 
In the coming years, we can anticipate smart contracts, security, and DeFi apps to benefit from the combination of AI and blockchain. Additionally, platforms like SingularityNET are likely to grow in popularity, enabling users to create, share, and earn from AI services.

AI and Blockchain Predicted Growth in Next 5 Years

Technological Advancements<ul><li>The combination of AI and blockchain has led to better and safer systems</li><li>AI's abilities are making blockchain platforms more appealing to users and investors</li></ul>Industry Development<ul><li>Industry leaders and companies, such as Google and Microsoft, are investing in AI</li><li>This support increases confidence in AI-based cryptocurrencies</li></ul>There are other reasons. Check them out <a href="https://trajectorymatrix.substack.com/p/the-explosive-rise-of-ai-crypto">here</a>.

Why The AI Crypto Boom 🚀

An asset class with high-profile endorsements & continuous innovation.

An asset class with high-profile endorsements & continuous innovation

crypto

Cryptocurrency

The Explosive Rise of AI Crypto

AGI, otherwise known as strong AI, full AI, or human-level AI , is a type of AI that can perform any task that a human can. It is not limited by specific domains or skills, but can learn and adapt to any situation. AGI systems are designed to be lifelong learners, constantly acquiring new knowledge and skills. They can reason, understand complex concepts, and apply their understanding to different contexts.Read the full article <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/trajectorymatrix/p/getting-ready-for-agi?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3590yk">here</a>.

What is AGI?

We’re still far from reaching a point where AI tools can understand, communicate, and act with the same nuance and sensitivity of a human. The majority of the experts think it could be within years or decades, while others say it might take a century or even longer. A few even think we might never achieve it.

Expert Opinions

The development of AGI relies on several key factors:
<ol>
<li>Advancements in algorithms are crucial in shaping how AGI systems process and make decisions.</li>
<li>The availability of powerful computing units, like GPUs, is necessary to handle the immense computational demands of AGI.</li>
<li>The growth of data volume, supported by technologies like 5G, provides key resources for effectively training AGI systems.</li>
<li>Foundational technologies like machine learning and neural networks enable AGI systems to learn from data and adapt to new situations.</li>
</ol>

Cornerstones of AGI Development

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is possible, but its usage by the public is still far away.<ul><li>Building AGI can cost millions to billions of dollars, making it feasible only for governments and affluent groups.</li><li>For example, a GPT-3.5 model costing $0.002 per 1K tokens can cost $200 per hour if 100,000 tokens are processed in an hour.</li><li>However, AGI requires much more computing power, making it even more expensive.</li><li>Assuming AGI needs 100 petaflops, it could cost anywhere from $3 million to $30 million for just one hour.</li></ul>So for now, NO

Can the Public Afford AGI Usage?

'We’ll have AI that is smarter than any one human probably around the end of next year,' says Elon Musk

education

Learning & Education

Getting Ready for AGI

The discovery of a vast ocean deep within the Earth, approximately 700 kilometers below the surface, has astonished scientists. This hidden sea is stored within a mineral called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/ringwoodite">ringwoodite </a>, possessing a unique capacity to absorb water. <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/trajectorymatrix/p/hidden-ocean-beneath-earths-crust?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3590yk">Read here for free </a>

Hidden Ocean

The existence of this vast water reservoir suggests the presence of a massive underground store. This water, as it flows through the layers of the Earth, could potentially cause sections of the mantle to melt. Further support for the notion of a hidden ocean trapped within the Earth comes from the observation of melted material found between mineral grains in the transition zone.

Transition Zone

The ringwoodite is like a sponge, soaking up water, there is something very special about the crystal structure of ringwoodite that allows it to attract hydrogen and trap water.

This discovery challenges previous ideas and suggests the possibility of a whole-Earth water cycle, potentially clarifying the abundance of liquid water on our planet's surface.

New Ideas

The reservoir's volume, estimated to be three times greater than that of all the oceans combined, underscores its significance. After decades of search, scientists have finally confirmed the existence of this elusive deep water.

So Vast

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

Hidden Ocean Beneath Earth's Crust

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a billion-dollar business. It will grow at a CAGR of 17.6% to reach <a href="https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/search-engine-optimization-services-market">USD 234.8 Billion </a>by 2030 from USD 46.7 Billion in 2021. But probably not the way you think because AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is here. Read the entire article for free <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/trajectorymatrix/p/from-seo-to-aeo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3590yk">here</a>.

As chatbots, smart assistants, and voice search gain popularity, users prefer getting quick answers without visiting a website. This type of search strategy is AEO.

Zero-Click Searches: Generative AI and Avoice search mean users seek direct answers.Voice Search and Conversational Queries: AEO will help content match more natural, longer voice queries. AI-Driven Content Optimization: As AI becomes more integrated into search engine algorithms, new optimization techniques will emerge. Large Language Model Optimization (LLMO): The optimization of large language models (LLMs) involves influencing their learning and training data to ensure a brand’s content is presented as an answer when relevant.

The Future of SEO and AEO

marketingandsales

Marketing & Sales

moneyandinvestments

Money & Investments

strategy

Strategy

business

Business

From SEO to AEO

The Arctic and Antarctic are responding differently to climate change due to their distinct geographical and environmental conditions. The fundamental differences in geography, along with varied atmospheric and oceanic conditions, contribute to the contrasting responses of the Arctic and Antarctic to the changing climate.

The Difference

<ul><li><a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/artic-ocean-sea-ice-global-warming-climate-change/">Warming Temperatures</a>: The Arctic has experienced record temperatures, with a Siberian heatwave pushing air temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time on record.</li><li><a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/artic-ocean-sea-ice-global-warming-climate-change/">Feedback Loops</a>: The loss of reflective sea ice exposes dark open ocean, which absorbs more of the sun’s heat, leading to further ice melt.</li><li><a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/artic-ocean-sea-ice-global-warming-climate-change/">Changes in Ice Growth Patterns</a>: There’s more heat in the ocean now than there used to be, disrupting the pattern of autumn ice growth.</li></ul>

Arctic Ice - Melting Away in a Heatwave Havoc

<ul><li><a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/article/new-research-finds-sea-ice-can-control-antarctic-ice-sheet-stability/">Atmospheric Circulation</a>: Changes in atmospheric circulation have led to more sea ice being carried to the coast by wind, stabilizing ice shelves.</li><li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-022-01339-z">Ocean Surface Cooling</a>: Antarctic sea ice has expanded due to ocean surface cooling associated with multidecadal variability in the Southern Ocean.</li><li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-022-01339-z">Complex Interactions</a>The Antarctic sea ice is influenced by a variety of factors, including sub-ice-shelf melting, stratospheric ozone depletion, and tropical teleconnections.</li></ul>

Antarctic Ice - Cold Shoulder to Warming Trends

Reflective: Sea ice's ability to reflect sunlight helps regulate Earth's temperature.


Feedback loops: Mechanisms where output influences input, leading to amplification or dampening of initial change.


Multidecadal variability: Fluctuations or changes that occur over decades.


Stratospheric ozone depletion: Gradual thinning of the ozone layer in Earth's stratosphere due to ozone-depleting substances.


Decadal oscillations: Cyclic variations occurring approximately every ten years.

Key Terms

Expect ice-free Arctic summer within 15 years

Arctic Melts, Antarctic Holds

Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a team of seven scientists and engineers. The company was inspired by the concept of “ <a href="https://gmisummit.com/pdfs/what-is-neural-lace-1.pdf">neural lace </a>” in the science fiction series The Culture by Iain M. Banks. Neuralink aims to create a generalized BCI that can treat serious brain diseases in the short-term and enable human enhancement in the long-term.

The Origin

The development of Neuralink faces a number of uncertainties that could have significant impacts. These include questions around safety, accessibility, legal and ethical complexities, and social and psychological implications. Navigating and addressing these uncertainties will be instrumental in shaping the long-term trajectory of the technology.

Known Unknowns

The BCI and neurotechnology industry faces potential disruptors that could reshape the landscape without warning. Wildcard elements include groundbreaking or failed developments, supply chain vulnerabilities, and radical innovations. Navigating these unknown unknowns is crucial for stakeholders to anticipate and adapt to uncertain industry shifts.<ul><li>Breakthroughs or failures</li><li>Major events/crises </li><li>Rapid advancements/paradigm shifts </li></ul>

Unknown Unknowns

<ul><li>Low to moderate for invasive BCI, such as the Link, which require surgical implantation and are mostly used for medical purposes.</li><li>Moderate to high for non-invasive BCI, such as EEG or fNIRS, which do not require surgery and are mostly used for research or entertainment purposes.</li></ul><a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/trajectorymatrix/p/now-you-can-control-a-computer-mouse?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3590yk">LEARN MORE</a>.

Current Adoption Levels

<ul><li>Technical challenges, including hardware failure, software errors, and the looming threat of cyberattacks. </li><li>Regulatory uncertainties, characterized by legal ambiguities, policy shifts, and the potential for public backlash. </li><li>Market dynamics introducing risks related to competition, imitation, and the possibility of substitution. </li> </ul>

Risk Factors

<ul><li>Scientific and technological innovation, promising new discoveries, advanced methods, and cutting-edge tools to overcome technical challenges. </li><li>Regulatory and ethical collaboration marked by standardization, harmonization, and vigilant oversight as a stabilizing force against regulatory risks. </li><li>Market and consumer diversification through segmentation, differentiation, and customization strategies, fostering adaptability and sustainability in the face of evolving challenges. </li> </ul>

Resilience Factors

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Now, you can control a computer mouse just by thinking it

Google, the tech giant reportedly spent over <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/30/24056132/google-spent-two-billion-on-layoffs-severance-fourth-quarter-earnings-2023">$2.1 billion </a>on severance and related expenses during 2023, resulting from layoffs that affected over 12,000 employees. The cost-cutting measures are continuing in 2024, with an additional $700 million allocated for employee severance charges in January alone, targeting another 1,000-plus roles.

The Layoff

Despite substantial layoffs, Google reported a robust $86B revenue fueled by digital advertising, cloud computing and AI investments.💻 Search engine generated $48B with 13% YoY growth, while subscription services, incl. YouTube, reached $10.7B. Cloud revenue ⬆️ by 25.6%<ul><li>🚪Physical office closures in high-cost areas cost $1.8B in 2023</li><li>🔮Gemini Ultra update to enhance search feature as Google continues to invest in generative AI</li><li>💼Further layoffs expected in 2024 as resources are reallocated</li></ul>

Google Reports Strong Q4 2023 Performance

Google is laying off employees, a trend seen in the tech industry despite an expected recovery. This cost-minimization strategy aligns with Google's primary competitive strategy of low prices to attract customers.As the economy shifted, the pandemic's hiring surge left companies with more staff than necessary. Google may be restructuring to refocus on new areas of growth, reflected in its diversification strategy.And <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/trajectorymatrix/p/breaking-down-googles-billion-dollar?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3590yk">more</a>.

The Why

The recent layoffs at Google may temporarily impact morale and productivity, but the company's strong financial position and diverse product portfolio should help it rebound.In the coming years, the tech industry may experience changes in job roles due to the rise of AI and automation. However, companies like Google can stay competitive by investing in re-skilling and up-skilling their workforce.<ul><li>Short Term Impact: Decrease in morale and productivity.</li><li>Medium Term Impact: Changes in job roles due to AI.</li><li>Long Term Impact: Expected growth in the tech industry and potential for new jobs.</li></ul>

The Future Outlook

Google's $2.1 billion move to shape tomorrow

Google's $2.1 Billion Move to Shape Tomorrow

corporateculture

Corporate Culture

Breaking Down Google's Billion-Dollar Layoffs

Genome or gene editing began as a way to explore the function and structure of DNA, the molecule that carries the genetic information of life. Scientists wanted to <a href="https://www.biocompare.com/Editorial-Articles/560315-A-Brief-History-of-Gene-Editing/">understand how DNA works </a>, how it can be changed, and how it can be used to create new traits or correct defects. It was inspired by natural processes, such as the ability of some bacteria to cut and paste DNA, and by the development of tools, such as enzymes and proteins, that could target and modify specific DNA sequences. Read more <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/trajectorymatrix/p/this-biotechnology-can-make-precise?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3590yk">here</a>.

Gene Editing

Gene editing is like a molecular scissor that cuts DNA at specific spots. When we cut DNA, the cell's natural repair machinery kicks in. Think of it like fixing a torn page—sometimes it may not be perfect. There are two main ways cells fix these DNA cuts: one is like gluing the torn ends together (nonhomologous end joining or NHEJ), and the other is like replacing the torn part with a new piece of paper (homologous repair or HR).

How does gene editing work? (simplified)

CRISPR Babies<ul><li>Involves altering genes in human embryos.</li><li>Controversial and banned in many countries due to ethical concerns.</li></ul>Medical Applications<ul><li>Used in developing therapies for diseases like cancer, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and cystic fibrosis.</li><li>Gene therapy aims to revolutionize the treatment of genetic disorders.</li></ul>Agricultural Impact<ul><li>Contributes to creating transgenic plants with improved traits</li></ul>Animal Models for Human Diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes.<ul><li>Helps researchers understand disease causes and test potential treatments.</li></ul>Synthetic Organisms and Industrial Applications

Gene editing is transformative

<ul><li>W<a href="https://blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2019/12/10/the-possible-dark-side-of-gene-editing-technologies/">eapon of mass destruction </a> <a href="https://blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2019/12/10/the-possible-dark-side-of-gene-editing-technologies/">or a biological warfare </a> <a href="https://blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2019/12/10/the-possible-dark-side-of-gene-editing-technologies/">tool </a> to target specific genes or groups of people with harmful viruses or organisms. </li><li>E<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-dark-side-of-crispr/">thical and social dilemmas </a> regarding the value and diversity of human life, the consent and rights of the edited individuals, and the potential discrimination and inequality that may arise from genetic enhancement or modification. </li><li>U<a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/10/29/lab-tests-show-risks-of-using-crispr-gene-editing-on-embryos/">nintended and unpredictable effects </a> on the edited organisms, their offspring, and the environment, such as genetic instability, loss of chromosomes, off-target mutations, ecological disruption, and loss of biodiversity. </li></ul>

Getting to Grips with the 'Dead Internet Theory'

The Tactics of Deepfake Creators

The Explosive Rise of AI Crypto

Getting Ready for AGI

Hidden Ocean Beneath Earth's Crust

Trajectory Matrix