AI Slop Is Breaking the Internet as We Know It (Live at SXSW)

This episode explores the phenomenon of "AI slop"—the proliferation of low-quality, AI-generated content flooding social media platforms. Against the backdrop of this observation, the panelists discuss the perverse economic incentives driving the creation and spread of AI slop, noting how creators are exploiting platform algorithms for monetization, often through the Facebook Creators Program. More significantly, the conversation delves into the potential dangers of AI slop, citing examples like inaccurate mushroom foraging guides and AI-generated disinformation campaigns. For instance, the panel highlights a case where an AI-generated image of a hurricane was widely circulated and accepted as real, even by political figures. The discussion then pivots to the broader implications for the creative economy, with concerns raised about the displacement of human creators and the erosion of quality standards. Ultimately, the panelists express a mix of concern and cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges posed by AI slop while highlighting the potential for independent media and decentralized platforms to offer alternatives.