Stop the Slop!

David Linthicum

We find ourselves at an intersection of possibilities where Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in my daily routines, from conducting research to spotting those cringeworthy grammar errors in my writing endeavors—it’s reshaping the way we create and interact with information overall in a truly transformative manner. From its capabilities to the thrill it brings along with the potential for profound empowerment when used responsibly.. As of late, I've observed with a mix of confusion and disappointment how hordes of influencers and corporate entities are exploiting AI to inundate our media streams with what can only be described as "AI Slop."

Let’s face the reality of the situation at hand here. The obstacles to creating content have significantly decreased over time. Now, anyone with an internet connection and some creativity can produce posts, tweets, articles, and videos daily, all thanks to the incredible automation brought by AI. However, what are the outcomes? We find ourselves engulfed in a sea of chatter, duplication, and notably pointless regurgitations. Social media timelines are flooded with posts that seem to come out and look the same; they're brimming with generic phrases that show no real effort or creativity whatsoever.

"AI Slop” is a term for this chaos of information processing technology and its misuse in the realm today, as we speak through it, not because artificial intelligence is inherently flawed, but rather due to how it's misused in our world today."

Businesses and social media personalities seeking traction and interaction often rely on advanced language tools to produce a steady stream of content for consumption – let’s be honest, it's primarily generic content devoid of real substance. They frequently resort to offering productivity tips and rehashed quotes, alongside product reviews that lack originality while incorporating mismatched visuals and videos that hardly align with the content’s core message (assuming there is one).

It's like a cycle of automation in all aspects. Watching one video feels like watching a hundred more; each blog post seamlessly merging into the one without a break in the chain of thoughts or ideas being expressed in different ways each time around with bright colors and artificial smiles that seem too perfect to be real along, with those overly cheerful AI generated voices that try to sound real but lack the depth and emotion only a human touch can bring to make it authentic truly.

The reason behind this occurrence is rather straightforwardly disheartening. It functions effectively due to the increase in uploads, leading to greater visibility, which in turn heightens the likelihood of receiving likes, shares, or perhaps even achieving status if fortunate enough to charm the algorithm gods’ favor.  It fosters an environment focused on maximizing output per hour with little regard for other metrics.

I pondered what information would benefit my audience the most." It shifts to "What activities should I schedule in the calendar?" The outcomes include guides, how-tos, reused visual representations, superficial explanatory videos, and a continuous stream of posts in carousel format that lack any fresh content whatsoever. The essence of genuineness doesn't merely diminish. It completely disappears.

The remaining scenario is barren and desolate as viewers begin to lose interest in the content provided by brands whose reputation suffers due to their connection, with it all crumbling down on platforms where the more material is thrown out there, the less significance it holds for anyone involved.

Artificial intelligence serves as a tool to enhance our capabilities rather than replace the essence of critical thinking.

You know what I mean – AI is truly amazing! It enables individuals, such as creators and researchers, to accomplish tasks that seemed out of reach a few years ago. Want to condense a report into a summary? AIs got you covered! Looking to explore design concepts? AI serves as a collaborator for brainstorming. I utilize machine learning to refine my writing. But here's the catch – AI doesn't take over thinking; it amplifies it.

Relying too much on AI implies sacrificing what truly enriches your content—perspectives and personal experiences that add depth and authenticity to your wordsmithing endeavors. The current landscape appears stagnant, rather than innovative; a cycle where AI-generated content perpetuates itself into mediocrity, with each iteration. Before long, the essence of value may completely dissipate.

The use of AI, in creating content isn't about producing a lot; it involves manipulation as well. These targeted content generators aim to capture attention and overshadow lesser-known voices while subtly influencing public viewpoints with content that lacks meaningful substance. When individuals and businesses view their audiences merely as data points and opinions, as commodities, they compromise the authenticity and impact of their messages.

 When you encounter repetitive how-to guides and unoriginal content on media platforms like LinkedIn, it often appears in the form of generic carousels or monotonous face-to-camera videos that lack fresh perspectives. A sense of disconnection sets in both towards the content and the platform hosting it.

Ask yourself, "Is it the thing to do?" Of just "Is it possible?"

The main problem at hand isn't about technology; it's more of an issue here, as AI revolutionizes the way content is created by eliminating old barriers. Truly understanding the value in what we make seems to be slipping in our eagerness to produce at a pace without pause, for thought or reflection. Few individuals and businesses take the time to ponder the question before using AI. Not just if it’s possible, but if it’s right. Should we be utilizing AI in this situation?

Slow things down. Focus on quality over quantity. Ensure each piece is meaningful than just churning out content, for the sake of it, as your audience is not tracking numbers but rather the value you provide in their time investment.

·      Utilize AI as an assistant for tasks such as research and grammar checking, while maintaining control over the storytelling and narrative direction yourself.

·      People desire authenticity—the essence of voice and vulnerability that cannot be replicated by intelligence.

·      Curate of regurgitate. Aim for quality over quantity when sharing information online! If something has been repeated many times, and you don't bring anything to the table. It might be best to hold back for now.

Artificial intelligence has become a part of our lives. It’s here to stay for the long run. We must use this power responsibly. At the same time, it may be tempting to saturate the realm with subpar and redundant AI-generated material. The repercussions. Including loss of credibility and trust from your audience as personal creative fulfillment. Outweigh any short-term gains. When uncertain about a decision regarding AI content creation. Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself if it aligns

Let’s put an end to the mess and recall the reasons that initially inspired us to create in this position.