AI slop, privacy fears, and endless scrolling are making people fall out of love with the internet

The internet once thrived on memes and funny videos, but modern users are growing increasingly disillusioned with their online experience. A recent survey conducted by personal-data removal service, Incogni, reveals that 50% of respondents expect their personal data to be exposed, with only 11% disagreeing with this statement. This concern is particularly prevalent among Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), who feel the most confident about their data safety, although even they are still wary, with 47% believing their information will be compromised.

Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980) is the most pessimistic group, with 56% expressing concern over data breaches. Regret over sharing personal information online and anxiety about data theft are also widespread, with 63% of participants feeling anxious about the possibility of their data being stolen. The rise of AI-generated content has further complicated the online landscape, as almost half of the participants are unsure what is real due to the abundance of AI-generated photos, videos, and news reports.

27% of respondents are frustrated by the sheer amount of AI slop they encounter, while 1 in 4 people are bothered by the lack of accountability for deepfake creators. The proliferation of AI has made 27% of users want to spend less time online, a sentiment comparable to the frustration caused by spam emails in the 1990s.

Social media is another major source of discontent, with 47% of people having deleted an account or messaging app due to stress, anxiety, or privacy concerns. Of those who have left, 41% did so over privacy issues. A hypothetical scenario where users could pay for an internet with no tracking or algorithmic feeds was proposed, with only 29% expressing interest, mostly from high-income groups.

The remaining 71% either disagree or remain undecided, highlighting the difficulties in creating a trustworthy online environment amidst privacy violations, AI-generated content, and the pervasive influence of social media.