The ‘Dead Internet Theory’ suggests that much of the internet is no longer organic, with most content and interactions driven by bots, AI, or algorithms rather than real people. Users speculated that genuine human activity online has sharply declined, replaced instead by automated systems designed to manipulate narratives and inflate engagement. Supporters of the theory often point to repetitive comments, content farms, and the rise of AI tools as evidence.

Critics, however, argue that while bots play a role—mainly in spam and promotion—human activity still overwhelmingly shapes the online world. Although speculative and unproven, it reflects broader anxieties about AI, misinformation, and the erosion of authenticity in digital spaces. UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan has even weighed in, warning Americans that their social media feeds may be “80% bots,” adding fuel to the ongoing debate.

Matthew McConaughey listens in horror

“A giant percentage of the arguing back and forth on the internet is bots,” Rogan said on The Joe Rogan Experience #2379. “A former FBI analyst said it was as many as 80% on Twitter. That’s his estimate. I mean, I don’t know if he’s right, but I’m like, ‘What does that even mean?’ Like, so what’s fueling all that?” The former FBI analyst Rogan referred to is Dan Woods, a cybersecurity specialist and ex-FBI special agent. 

In a 2022 F5 blog post, Woods estimated that more than 80% of Twitter (now X) accounts were bots, basing his claim on automation volume, bot sophistication, and platform countermeasures. By contrast, when Elon Musk was preparing to purchase X, the company reported that only 5% of its accounts were bots. Musk himself has repeatedly argued the number is closer to 20% or higher.

And Rogan thinks he knows why. “It’s AI forcing us to argue. I mean, it’s programmed right now by human beings, probably, and some of it is actual real human beings that are in some sort of a factory somewhere in Pakistan or whatever, and they’re just f—ing with Americans online for whatever reason,” he said. For Rogan, the purpose is clear—“to disrupt democracy, to make us lose faith in our system.” 

He added that nations like China and Russia play a major role in the bot problem, while acknowledging that America does the same to other countries. Beyond bots, Rogan believes social media algorithms are also to blame, designed to keep Americans “full of anxiety, constantly filled with cortisol, stressed out, and angry.” In his view, “the algorithms are programming you.”

Joe Rogan reveals how algorithms have programmed him

“Once it’s suggesting things to you, that’s a whole different game because then it’s kind of programming you,” Rogan continued during the podcast. Social media platforms often monitor the sort of post that people engage with to suggest similar content, and Rogan feels that’s where the problem resides. “It’s programming you based on your worst instincts. My f—ing feed is all assassinations and car accidents and dudes getting kicked in the head.”

He recalls his long-standing text thread with comedian and fellow podcaster Tom Segura, which has resulted from his addiction to the algorithm pushing him violent content. “We send each other the most horrible s—t we find each day,” Rogan said. He revealed that he had tried to put an end to this ritual, but “two days will go by and I’ll open up my f—ing phone and I’ll see the Tom Segura… I’ll open it up and it’s some guy getting assassinated in a pool hall.”

Whether or not Woods’ estimate and Rogan’s fear are true about bots and algorithms, there’s no denying how such things have become part of everyone’s daily lives. Yet the main question is, should Americans be worried?