Tech Won't Save Us How Brainrot AI is Upending the Internet w/ Jason Koebler
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May 1, 2025 
Jason Koebler, cofounder of 404 Media and journalist, dives into the quirky world of AI-generated content and its impact on social media. He discusses the rise of 'brain rot AI,' characterized by lowbrow memes that captivate younger audiences. The commercialization of this trend reveals how individuals profit from bizarre AI creations. Koebler also examines the ethical implications of AI in content creation, the evolving relationship between tech and politics during the Trump era, and the urgent need for critical engagement with these technologies.
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Evolution of AI Content on Social Media
- AI-generated content on social media has evolved to be more topical and related to current events like disasters and celebrities.
- The sophistication of AI tools has increased, enabling not just images but videos that are often grotesque or bizarre to engage viewers.
Engagement Bait Drives AI Content
- People often engage with AI-generated content out of shock or disgust, which signals algorithms to promote it more.
- Engagement bait through outrage or curiosity effectively boosts AI content visibility on platforms.
Bots and Humans Fuel Virality
- AI-generated content is initially boosted by bots and spam farms buying likes and shares.
- Human users then amplify the content, making it difficult to distinguish real from fake engagement.