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Internet Day 2025: Is There Still Room for Humans Online?

Led by Henrik Roonemaa, the panel included tech expert Linnar Viik, AI advisor Kristel Kriisa, and University of Tartu professor Veronika Kalmus. Together, they talked about what AI means for the internet and for us.

The Rise of AI Content

AI can now create endless content—text, pictures, videos, even music. Algorithms then decide what we see online, showing us exactly what we’re interested in. Not long ago, we mostly saw content from people we knew—our friends, family, or people we followed. Now, it’s often created by machines. And most of the time, we can't even tell the difference.

One of the biggest problems today is the truth. People believe in different versions of it. They tend to follow speakers or influencers who say things clearly and confidently—even if what they say isn’t fully true. This has split society into groups and created mistrust. That’s why critical thinking is more important than ever.

The Human Side of the Internet

Years ago, everything online—websites, blogs, images—was made by humans. We may never go back to that, but that doesn’t mean humanity is gone. AI is now part of how the internet is growing. At past Internet Days, people saw two possible futures: a “wild west” internet with no rules, or a tightly controlled one managed by governments.

Now, a mix of both is more likely. Some people will pay for a safer, more personal online space. Others will keep using the open, wild internet full of machine-made content. Both worlds will exist at the same time.

Verifying Real People

One big change already happening is identity verification. For example, LinkedIn lets users prove they are real people with a verified badge. Dating apps also use this to make things safer and more honest. As AI hoaxes and deepfakes grow, we’ll likely see identity checks on more and more platforms. It helps us tell who’s real behind the content.

In the future, human-made content might become more special, even elite. But AI content will still have value. In art and music, for example, AI helps create fun and interactive works. Some AI music even sounds like it was made by real composers. AI isn’t replacing creativity—it’s changing how we express it.

As Picasso once said: "Good artists copy, great artists steal." Humans have always built on each other’s ideas. AI is just the next tool in that process.

Should We Regulate AI?

Europe is already working on AI regulations. But private companies worry that too many rules could stop innovation. If things get too strict here, companies might move their ideas elsewhere, like the U.S. That’s why it’s important to work with tech experts and businesses to find the right balance. Some rules are needed, because company goals and public needs don’t always match.

The tricky part? We can’t always predict how tech will change. So, how do we make rules for things we don’t fully understand yet?

AI is the next big step in internet history. We’ve had similar fears in the past with other tech changes, and we’ve always found a way to adjust. The future may seem scary, but it’s also exciting. In fact, the next few years might bring more changes than the last 30. Humanity won’t disappear. What matters is how we use technology—and how it changes the way we live, connect, and grow.