The Explanation
Jul 31, 2025
A growing concern among digital commentators is whether artificial intelligence is irreversibly distorting the internet. Once a conspiracy, dead internet theory now reflects widespread anxiety about AI-generated content and its impact on online authenticity. AI-written articles, spam-like social posts and misinformation have contributed to fears that human-created content is being overwhelmed. Alex Hern, AI writer at The Economist, explains how user behaviour mimicking algorithms helped the idea take root, while Isis Blachez from NewsGuard outlines how Russian-linked sites are laundering propaganda to influence AI outputs. Mark Graham, Director of the Wayback Machine at the Internet Archive, describes how the organisation is adapting its efforts to preserve online content in a post-AI era. Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s Chief International Anchor, reflects on changes to the news industry since she began reporting during the first Gulf War. From accusations of “fake news” by political leaders to the challenges of reporting on the Gaza conflict amid restrictions on access, she describes unprecedented pressures on international journalism. Amanpour also discusses her new foreign affairs podcast co-hosted with her ex-husband and former US diplomat James Rubin, The Ex Files.
Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Martha Owen
