'AI Slop' Is Turning Up Everywhere. An Expert Explains What's at Stake.

'AI Slop' Is Turning Up Everywhere. An Expert Explains What's at Stake.

You've probably encountered images in your social media feeds that look like a cross between photographs and computer-generated graphics.

What is AI slop? A technologist explains the pros and cons of this form of content

You’ve probably encountered images in your social media feeds that look like a cross between photographs and computer-generated graphics. Some are fantastical—think Shrimp Jesus—and some are believable at a quick glance—remember the little girl clutching a puppy in a boat during a flood? These are examples of AI slop, or low- to mid-quality content—video, images, audio, text or a mix—created with AI tools, often with little regard for accuracy. …

AI Slop: As Cheap and Sleazy as It Sounds

AI slop is low- to mid-quality content – video, images, audio, text or a mix – created with AI tools, often with little regard for accuracy. It’s fast, easy and inexpensive to make this content. AI slop producers typically place it on social media to exploit the economics of attention on the internet, displacing higher-quality material that could be more helpful. AI slop has been increasing over the past few years. As the term “slop” indicates, …