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Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed judges, and fellow debaters,

Today, I stand before you to argue against the premise of the "Dead Internet Theory"—the idea that the internet, as we once knew it, has been overtaken by AI, with human activity reduced to a mere illusion. According to proponents of this theory, the internet is now mostly controlled by automated systems, rendering human-generated content obsolete. However, this theory is not only unsubstantiated but fundamentally flawed in its understanding of the digital ecosystem.

First, let’s address the core of the argument. The theory suggests that much of what we see online—social media posts, blog entries, even comments—are fabricated or curated by AI algorithms rather than real people. Yet, this overlooks the vibrant, diverse, and undeniably human presence that continues to thrive across the internet. Millions of individuals contribute daily to the creation of content, from videos to tweets to in-depth articles. If the internet were truly "dead," where would these millions of creators, educators, activists, and everyday users be?

Moreover, the "Dead Internet Theory" fails to acknowledge the sheer complexity and scale of human interaction online. From social movements to grassroots organizing, from academic research to the digital art scene, the internet is as dynamic and human-driven as ever. AI certainly plays a role in shaping what we see online—through algorithms, recommendations, and chatbots—but these systems are designed by humans, for humans. They serve our needs, not replace us.

Lastly, let’s not forget the wealth of human-driven innovation that continues to emerge online. Every day, people develop new tools, create new platforms, and foster new communities. The internet is not dead; it is alive, evolving, and as human as ever. Thank you.

• Written by ChatGPT