AI agents will reshape the internet for machine-first interactions
AI agents are evolving from passive tools to autonomous actors, necessitating a web redesign for machine-native efficiency and trust.
June 7, 2025 — The internet is poised for its most radical transformation since inception, as AI agents like ChatGPT and Gemini shift from human assistants to autonomous actors. Justin Westcott of Edelman argues in VentureBeat that today’s web—designed for human clicks and scrolls—will soon cede dominance to machine-native architectures.
The Inefficiency of Human-Shaped Interfaces
Current AI systems operate clumsily in human-centric digital spaces:
- Mimicking mouse clicks and form entries
- Navigating visual layouts instead of data streams
- Facing latency in transactional processes
Westcott compares this to "putting a robot in a glove" and recalls how cars initially struggled on horse trails before dedicated infrastructure emerged.
Pillars of the Machine-First Web
The emerging paradigm prioritizes:
- APIs as storefronts: Direct data access replaces product pages
- Trust signals: Verifiable sources and reputation metrics become critical
- Ultra-low latency: Milliseconds determine agent preferences
"SEO becomes MEO: machine experience optimization" — Westcott notes traditional marketing levers will pivot toward AI-readable structures.
Dual-Layer Internet Evolution
Two scenarios emerge:
- Parallel webs: Separate human and machine interfaces
- Layered integration: Every digital surface incorporates machine-readable skins
Brands must treat AI compatibility with the urgency once reserved for mobile optimization. Key differentiators will shift from design aesthetics to:
- Transactional efficiency
- Structured data availability
- Authentication protocols
The Agent-Driven Future
By 2030, AI agents will:
- Execute purchases autonomously
- Schedule and negotiate services
- Screen content based on user preferences
Westcott concludes: "The next digital revolution will be executed in milliseconds by machines, for machines"—a stark contrast to the human-paced web of the past 30 years.
For enterprise insights on AI strategy, explore VB Transform.
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About the Author
Dr. Emily Wang
AI Product Strategy Expert
Former Google AI Product Manager with 10 years of experience in AI product development and strategy formulation. Led multiple successful AI products from 0 to 1 development process, now provides product strategy consulting for AI startups while writing AI product analysis articles for various tech media outlets.