Digg, the iconic internet platform known for its influential role during the Web 2.0 boom, is being reimagined for a new age dominated by artificial intelligence. Kevin Rose, Digg’s original founder, and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, have joined forces to relaunch the social media site, aiming to recapture the genuine, grassroots atmosphere of the early internet at a time when AI-generated content threatens to overwhelm human voices.
Speaking recently at a prominent industry conference, Rose and Ohanian underscored their goal to create a space focused on authentic human interaction, where users can freely discover and build communities without interference from automated bots and algorithm-driven messaging.
In discussing the reasons behind their initiative, the pair recalled earlier frustrations with modern social media practices. Ohanian spoke candidly about his past disagreements at Reddit over hate speech policies, including his resignation from the company’s board. Highlighting Reddit’s handling of controversial communities and the delayed action regarding the infamous “r/WatchPeopleDie” group, he stressed the importance of constructing healthier online platforms. Since those experiences, Ohanian has pursued projects aligned more closely with his personal values, an approach he sees embodied in the new Digg. Rose similarly addressed the negative impact of machine learning models on content moderation, cautioning against rewarding inflammatory and extreme posts that primarily serve niche, divisive interests.
Together, the founders identified a growing challenge facing internet communities—the rising tide of content generated or significantly influenced by AI. They expressed concern that many online interactions now involve bots posing as genuine users or humans leveraging AI to mass-produce manipulative content. Highlighting the “dead internet theory,” which suggests vast portions of the content consumed online is artificially created, they affirmed their intention to protect authentic user interactions as core to Digg’s mission.
To combat these challenges, Rose and Ohanian plan to leverage advanced techniques such as zero-knowledge proofs, cryptographic methods which can help validate user authenticity without compromising personal data privacy. The idea would enable community moderators to establish controls ensuring that participants are verified humans before engaging in conversations, effectively minimizing the unwanted intrusion of bots and AI-generated impostors.
Digg’s approach might also employ graduated trust levels tied to user activity and transparency. For instance, accounts created hastily or anonymously might receive limited capabilities until users provide further proof of their identity or participation level. Actions such as verifying phone numbers or using longstanding, legitimate devices could grant users more reliability—and more influence—within Digg communities.
Additionally, Rose emphasized a shift away from relying heavily on unpaid volunteer moderation, advocating instead for moderators and content creators to receive fair compensation for their work. He criticized approaches taken by platforms like Reddit, which trademarked “WallStreetBets,” a forum created and cultivated by its user community. Instead, Rose proposed a business model built around incentivizing users who genuinely enrich the platform, rewarding them actively and ensuring their work benefits everyone involved.
Both Rose and Ohanian noted they are not opposed to AI itself; rather, they seek constructive ways to deploy AI responsibly, particularly in community governance and content moderation efforts. AI could, for instance, help quickly de-escalate problematic interactions or aid moderators in maintaining positive, supportive environments.
Ultimately, by promoting genuine user-driven interactions, prioritizing transparency, and developing sustainable economic partnerships with content creators, Rose and Ohanian believe the rebirth of Digg can recapture the excitement and authenticity of the early social web—this time powered purposefully for the human experience.
