A growing number of internet users are expressing deep dissatisfaction with the online experience, citing an overwhelming flood of AI-generated content, persistent privacy violations and the addictive nature of endless scrolling. A new survey from data-removal service Incogni underscores how these factors are eroding trust in the web and pushing people to disengage from platforms they once relied on.

What You Need to Know

Incogni's research reveals that users are increasingly frustrated by low-quality AI articles, invasive tracking and frequent data breaches. These concerns are not just anecdotal: nearly two-thirds of respondents said they have reduced their time online in the past year. The findings suggest a broader shift in consumer sentiment that could pressure tech companies to rethink their business models.

The Survey's Key Findings

Conducted among a representative sample of U.S. adults, the survey highlights a sharp decline in overall enthusiasm for the internet. Respondents ranked data breaches as their top concern, followed closely by the spread of AI-generated misinformation and the relentless design of social media feeds designed to maximize screen time. More than half of participants said they feel the internet has become less trustworthy over the past five years.

  • AI-generated content: Users report encountering meaningless articles, fake reviews and spam at an unprecedented pace, making it harder to find reliable information.
  • Privacy fears: Data breaches at major companies have become routine, with personal information exposed for millions of users each year.
  • Endless scrolling: Platforms engineered for infinite feeds are blamed for wasted time and deteriorating mental health, prompting users to step back.

The Role of AI-Generated Content

The surge of AI-produced text, images and videos is a particularly potent driver of internet fatigue. Much of this content, sometimes called AI slop, lacks editorial oversight and clogs search results and social feeds. Users find themselves sifting through machine-written articles that offer little value, undermining trust in the information ecosystem. This trend has accelerated in the past year as generative AI tools became widely accessible.

Privacy and Data Breaches

Incogni's business centers on helping people remove their personal data from online databases, so its survey naturally emphasizes privacy. But the findings align with broader industry data showing that 2024 saw a record number of data breaches. High-profile incidents at healthcare providers, financial institutions and tech platforms have left consumers feeling exposed. Many respondents said they now avoid sharing any personal information online unless absolutely necessary.

Why This Matters

The erosion of user trust carries real economic consequences for the technology sector. Platforms dependent on advertising revenue face a shrinking pool of engaged users. Regulators are likely to face increased pressure to enact stronger privacy laws and impose stricter rules on AI-generated content. For consumers, the costs are not abstract: from identity theft to misinformation, the internet's problems now directly affect daily life. If the trend continues, the web may fragment into smaller, curated spaces as users retreat to private messaging apps and niche communities.

What You Need to Know

While the survey represents a single data point, it reinforces a pattern seen in other studies: internet satisfaction is declining across age groups. Younger users, once the most enthusiastic adopters, are also reporting higher levels of stress and distrust. The findings serve as a warning to companies that ignore user sentiment at their own risk.