The Power and Problems of Meganets

Meganets are persisting, evolving, and opaque data networks that affect how we perceive the world. They consist of AI-driven servers and millions of connected individuals, creating a feedback loop of accelerating content production and distribution. The three properties of meganets are velocity, volume, and virality, referring to the size, speed, and compounding feedback they generate. The challenge lies in the inability to control meganets in a fine-grained way due to their immense scale and speed. Misinformation, bottom-up influences, recent developments in AI, deep fakes, and skepticism are among the many topics discussed in relation to meganets. These networks extend beyond social media platforms and can be found in online gaming, cryptocurrency networks, and even government services. The future implications include an increase in AI-generated content, a proliferation of fake information, and the challenge of determining what is real.