The claim that half of the internet is controlled by bots is a misunderstanding of statistics related to bot traffic on certain websites, not the entire internet or social media platforms. While bots play both helpful and harmful roles online, they do not dominate internet interactions, with social media bot accounts comprising a much smaller percentage than often claimed.
The claim that half of the internet is controlled by bots stems from a report by a bot-blocking software company, but this figure is often misunderstood and exaggerated. The idea that 50% of all online interactions are with bots is not accurate. Instead, the statistic refers specifically to the proportion of bot traffic requesting access to websites protected by that company’s software, not the entire internet or social media platforms.
There is a conspiracy theory known as the “dead internet theory,” which suggests that the internet is largely controlled by AI and bots, creating a dystopian digital environment where most interactions are with robots rather than real people. However, this theory is false. While bots do exist in significant numbers, they do not dominate the internet to the extent claimed by such conspiracies.
Bots serve a variety of roles online, and not all of them are harmful. Many bots act as automated helpers, performing useful tasks such as gathering information, managing data, and improving the efficiency of online services. These “good” bots are integral to the smooth functioning of many websites and digital platforms, helping users by automating routine processes.
On the other hand, there are malicious bots that serve harmful purposes. These “bad” bots can be used by hackers to disrupt websites, steal sensitive information, or hijack user accounts. Such bots pose security risks and contribute to cybercrime, but they represent only a portion of the overall bot activity on the internet.
Regarding social media, bot presence is real but far less pervasive than the 50% figure suggests. For example, after Elon Musk acquired Twitter, independent estimates indicated that between 5.3% and 11% of Twitter accounts were bots. While this is a concern for platform integrity, it is nowhere near half of all accounts, underscoring that the internet is still predominantly populated by human users.