Core Viewpoint - The concept of "the internet is dead" is gaining traction, with industry leaders like Alexis Ohanian and Sam Altman discussing the decline of genuine human activity online and the rise of AI-generated content [2][3]. Group 1: AI-Generated Content (AIGC) Impact - AIGC is pervasive, with examples of AI-generated videos achieving millions of views, indicating a significant shift in content consumption [4]. - The distinction between User-Generated Content (UGC) and AIGC is becoming blurred, raising questions about the relevance of traditional measures of internet vitality [7][10]. - AIGC tools are seen as beneficial for creators, allowing them to realize their creative visions more effectively, akin to how tube paints revolutionized painting for artists in the 19th century [9][10]. Group 2: Concerns and Challenges - There are concerns about the sustainability of AI models trained on synthetic data, which may lead to a decline in content quality and potential model failure [11][13]. - The need for content provenance and authenticity is highlighted, with initiatives like C2PA and digital watermarking being developed to ensure the traceability of AI-generated content [14]. Group 3: Evolution of the Internet - Historical parallels are drawn between the evolution of entertainment technologies and the current state of the internet, suggesting that while UGC may decline, new opportunities will emerge as technology evolves [15][19]. - The ongoing evolution of the internet is framed as a natural process, where new technologies will continue to reshape the landscape, similar to past technological shifts [20].