The avatar, created to deter young people from extremism, has been subverted and is breaking out of niche online silos
Her name is Amelia, a purple-haired “goth girl” who proudly carries a mini union flag and appears to have a penchant for racism.
If you are unfamiliar with Amelia, the chances are you will soon encounter one viral meme or another inspired by her on Facebook or X, where her reputation is growing.
Videos of Amelia typically feature her walking through London, or the House of Commons, declaring her love for England and warning of the dangers of “militant Muslims” or “third-world migrants”. In one clip she is harangued by bearded man in Islamic attire for eating a pork sausage.
What you’re describing is literally the KGBs playbook and no it doesn’t work in anyone’s favor but the ones spreading propaganda. All you’ll end up with is an even less informed and apathetic populace and we’re already struggling with that problem. That works in favor of dictators and fascists. Democracies on the other hand require an informed and engaged populace in order to function.
I think the final form of this conflict is dead internet theory territory.
It’s another scenario that is hard to predict the end game because AI at this scale has not been seen before.
That’s what „flood the zone“ ultimately means. It’s no different than the other solution usually proposed, which is banning social media. Except than bans can be avoided, people will seek to challenge them, etc.
What if you don’t use it as only measure? You launch 2 things in parallel: 1. neutralization: flood the zone, exhaust everyone, 2. provide a solution: sane channels that make clear how thinking, fact checking and honest dialogue are the only way out.