AI Revolutionizes Social Networks: A Debate on Genuine Online Connections

Human and robotic hand reaching out to touch.

Is AI Moving Us Forward, or Backward, with Fake Social Engagements?

At a Glance

SocialAI app embraces 100% AI-generated interactions, fuelling the “Dead Internet” theory.
Michael Sayman, former tech lead at Google, created the app through his new startup, Friendly Apps.
Critics worry SocialAI will aggravate loneliness and spread of misinformation.
The app aims to prioritize mental health over user retention and ad revenue.
Concerns are raised about AI-driven platforms serving as a pipeline to harmful communities.

SocialAI: Questioning the Future of Authentic Online Engagement

A new AI-powered social networking app, SocialAI, has ignited a nationwide debate over the nature and future of online engagements. Unlike traditional social media platforms, SocialAI features 100% AI-generated interactions, echoing the “Dead Internet theory” that most social media activity is artificial. The app’s introduction challenges our understanding of genuine online relationships and the role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives.

SocialAI was developed by Michael Sayman, a 28-year-old tech leader with a distinct background at Google, Facebook, Roblox, and Twitter. His startup, Friendly Apps, raised $3 million in seed funding in May 2022 to focus on mental health over user retention and advertising revenue. Friendly Apps previously launched AI Hits, an AI music streaming charts site, and Cosmic, an AI-driven online dating app, aiming to revolutionize digital interactions.

The Debate on Artificial Engagement

Critics of SocialAI argue that the app might worsen the issue of loneliness and detachment from reality by promoting interactions with bots over real human connections. Some users question the value of engaging with a platform devoid of human interaction, with one user likening it to a shadow ban. The concern is heightened by the “Dead Internet theory,” which posits that a majority of online activity is manipulated by AI.

“With a lot of social media, you don’t know who the bot is and who the real person is. It’s hard to tell the difference,” Sayman says. “I just felt like creating a space where you’re able to know that they’re 100 percent AIs. It’s more freeing.”

There are growing concerns that SocialAI may become a breeding ground for dangerous extremism and harmful online communities. Some argue that AI-driven interactions might become a pipeline leading to real-world violence. These worries compound the ethical considerations surrounding AI’s use in social platforms and its implications for our communities.

Positive Outlook and Future Implications

Supporters of SocialAI emphasize its commitment to providing a safer, private space for users to express thoughts without fear of being ghosted or ignored. Every post receives a response, offering a guaranteed engagement that other platforms cannot promise. The customization options allow users to tailor their AI-generated followers, choosing from “supporters,” “critics,” “trolls,” and “intellectuals,” ultimately creating a more personalized experience.

“I saw these journaling apps and diary apps out there, but they all felt so empty,” Sayman explains. “When people used them, it just didn’t work any different than a notes app—and there was something about that that felt, you know, weird—and so, in that regard, I really thought there was potential in making something that just felt like a magical diary.”

The broader implications of SocialAI are far-reaching and complex. While the platform provides opportunities for reflection, feedback, and support inspired by Sayman’s experiences of isolation, it also brings into question the future of human interaction in an increasingly AI-driven world. As AI continues to evolve, social media platforms must balance the benefits and ethical risks associated with artificial engagement.