"Zombie Internet" refers to the phenomenon where a significant portion of web traffic is generated by automated programmes, often referred to as bots, rather than human users. These sites might still be accessible and appear functional, but they are effectively "dead" in terms of activity.
The information on these sites is often outdated, with the last updates dating back several years. Many links on these websites may lead to non-existent pages or produce error messages. Without updates or maintenance, these sites can become vulnerable to security breaches, making them risky to visit or interact with.
A site becomes a zombie due to various reasons like abandoned projects when websites are created for personal projects, or hobbies that are no longer pursued. It also happens due to changes in hosting platforms or technologies that make maintaining the site difficult.
These sites contribute to digital clutter, making it harder for users to find relevant and up-to-date information. Zombie sites can also affect search engine results, providing users with irrelevant or outdated information. Moreover, these sites can also be a security risk.
The presence of bots can significantly distort web analytics data. Since bots can generate a large volume of traffic, they can skew metrics such as page views, bounce rates, and session duration, making it difficult for businesses to get accurate insights.
To mitigate the impact of zombie internet, webmasters and hosting services can take steps such as periodically reviewing and updating content or deciding to take inactive sites offline. Setting up redirects to more current or relevant content if applicable, can be another way.