TLDR;
- Over 51% of global internet traffic in 2024 came from bots, many powered by AI.
- Malicious bots are stealing data, crashing sites, and hijacking social media posts.
- Elon Musk questioned how many real humans are even left online.
- Cybersecurity experts warn businesses and users to prepare for even smarter attacks.
Bots Outnumber Humans on the Web
In a startling turn of digital evolution, AI bots now generate more than half of all internet traffic globally, according to the 2025 Imperva Bad Bot Report. For the first time in over a decade, machines have overtaken humans in driving web activity—often for malicious purposes. Of the 51% bot traffic recorded, 37% is deemed harmful, involving attacks like data theft, site crashes, and account hijackings.
The report, compiled using data from over 13 trillion blocked bot requests, shows an alarming rise in AI-driven cyber threats. Sectors like travel, retail, finance, and healthcare are prime targets. Meanwhile, basic users continue to be hounded by increasingly ineffective CAPTCHAs.
AI Bots Mimic Humans
Thanks to tools like ChatGPT, ByteSpider, ClaudeBot, and Google Gemini, bots can now simulate human behavior with uncanny accuracy. They can move a mouse, click like a person, and even replicate conversation tones on social media. This makes them exceptionally hard to detect and block.
One attack type called “seat spinning” involves bots holding airline tickets in digital carts without purchasing—paralyzing the booking system and inflating perceived demand. Retailers face similar threats through scalping, credential stuffing, and gift card fraud.
“AI has supercharged what used to be amateur hacking into enterprise-level disruption,” said Tim Chang, general manager at cybersecurity firm Thales.
Political Bots Are Fueling Online Tensions
Notably, Bots aren’t just after money. They’re now entering politics. Cybersecurity firm Appdome recently flagged a spike in bots spreading politically charged messages ahead of Singapore’s upcoming elections. These bots hijack real accounts or create new ones to amplify divisive content, aiming to manipulate public discourse and weaponize echo chambers.
“Whether it’s empathy or outrage, bots are triggering emotional reactions to polarize users,” said Jan Sysmans of Appdome. “Once a user engages, algorithms do the rest, pushing similar content into their feed and reinforcing bias.”
This manipulation isn’t isolated to Asia. Similar strategies have been spotted globally, especially in high-stakes election seasons.
Elon Musk Weighs In: “How Many Real People Are Left?”
In response to a viral tweet from commentator Mario Nawfal stating, “AI BOTS RUN THE INTERNET NOW”, tech billionaire Elon Musk added his own chilling take: “How many real people are still on the Internet?”
How many real people are still on the Internet? https://t.co/RmIjooIwxt
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 27, 2025
Interestingly, even Musk’s own chatbot, Grok, couldn’t answer definitively. While X (formerly Twitter) claims only 5% of its accounts are bots, independent analyses suggest the figure could be as high as 64%.
“Methodological differences make it hard to measure,” Grok admitted. “But the real number is likely much higher than platforms admit.”
Musk’s skepticism isn’t new. In 2024, X launched a “Not A Bot” verification campaign and purged millions of suspected bot accounts. Still, problems like hate speech and impersonation persist—many powered by these sophisticated new AI tools.
That said, with bots getting smarter and more pervasive, experts say both businesses and users need to be proactive. Recommendations include multifactor authentication, real-time bot detection, and consistent software updates.
