As we approach 2026, the internet faces challenges in distinguishing between AI-generated and human-created content. A study from Graphite revealed that by late 2024, AI-produced material outnumbered that made by humans, a trend accelerated by the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022. Additionally, as of April 2025, over 74.2% of sampled web pages featured AI content.
The rise of AI has transformed online media, yet it has also led to a phenomenon termed "AI content fatigue." A survey by Pew Research Center indicated that in spring 2025, 34% of adults worldwide expressed more concern than excitement over AI's growing presence. This sentiment reflects a shift as users seek more authentic content amidst the overwhelming influx of AI-generated materials.
Experts, like Adrian Ott from EY Switzerland, liken the current state of AI content to processed food, suggesting that as the novelty of AI wanes, consumers may gravitate towards quality, human-generated material. The question remains: How will users navigate the blurred lines of reality in the evolving digital landscape?