Your AI Use Is Breaking My Brain

2026-05-11 · Source: Simon Willison's Weblog · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Jason Koebler's article, "Your AI Use Is Breaking My Brain," describes the pervasive and mentally exhausting nature of AI-generated content online, which he terms the "Zombie Internet." This phenomenon extends beyond simple bot-to-bot interaction, encompassing complex scenarios where humans interact with AI, AI agents, and other humans using AI. Koebler highlights how influencer culture drives the creation of automated YouTube channels, blogs, and social media accounts designed for monetization, further saturating the internet with AI-generated spam. Examples include AI summaries sold as original books and marketing firms using AI to generate heartfelt advice on platforms like Reddit, ultimately distorting authentic human communication and making it difficult to discern genuine content.

Key takeaway

For content consumers and digital strategists navigating online information, recognizing the "Zombie Internet" phenomenon is crucial. Your ability to discern authentic human communication from AI-generated content is increasingly challenged, demanding heightened critical evaluation of all online interactions. Prioritize sources with clear human authorship and editorial oversight to mitigate mental fatigue and avoid misinformation.

Key insights

The "Zombie Internet" describes the pervasive, mentally taxing blend of human and AI interactions online.

Principles

• AI content blurs lines between human and machine.
• Monetization drives AI content proliferation.

In practice

• Identify AI-generated content patterns.
• Prioritize trusted, human-verified sources.

Topics

• AI-Generated Content
• Zombie Internet
• Content Filtering Exhaustion
• Human Writing Distortion
• Automated Influencer Content

Best for: General Interest, Tech Journalist, AI Ethicist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Simon Willison's Weblog.