The Rise of Slop: How AI-Generated Content is Flooding the Internet

Illustration: Zohar Lazar

In late 2022, Neil Clarke, the founder of Clarkesworld, a prominent speculative fiction magazine, began to notice an alarming trend. Submissions to the magazine were increasing at an unprecedented rate, but many of these stories were strikingly similar and lacked the depth and creativity that characterized quality writing. Clarke described these submissions as beginning with phrases like “In the year 2250-something,” followed by narratives that felt formulaic and rushed, often culminating in a resolution that felt more like a celebration from a blockbuster movie than a thoughtful conclusion to a story. This phenomenon, which Clarke dubbed "slop," is emblematic of a broader issue: the proliferation of low-quality, AI-generated content that is increasingly saturating the internet.

Understanding Slop

Slop is a term that has emerged to describe the low-quality, often nonsensical content generated by artificial intelligence. It is akin to spam but represents a more insidious threat to the integrity of online content. Clarke noted that many of the submissions he received were clearly generated by AI, often accompanied by simple prompts like “Write a 1,000-word science-fiction story.” The ease with which AI can produce text has led to a deluge of submissions that overwhelm platforms like Clarkesworld, making it difficult to discern genuine creativity from machine-generated noise.

The Impact of AI on Content Quality

The rise of slop has significant implications for the quality of content available online. As AI-generated material floods platforms, it threatens to drown out human creativity and intentionality. From social media to streaming services, the internet is becoming cluttered with bizarre images, incoherent tweets, and lifeless songs produced by algorithms. This saturation of low-quality content not only complicates the search for meaningful information but also undermines the credibility of established platforms.

For instance, on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, users are bombarded with posts that often lack substance, leading to a degradation of discourse. Similarly, on music streaming services like Spotify, AI-generated artists are flooding playlists with songs that lack the emotional depth and authenticity of human-created music. The result is a landscape where genuine creativity struggles to be heard amidst the cacophony of slop.

The Threat to Information Integrity

The implications of slop extend beyond mere annoyance; they pose a serious threat to the integrity of information online. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it clogs search results and dilutes the quality of information available to users. Robyn Speer, the creator of WordFreq, a database tracking word frequency online, recently announced she would cease updating her database due to the overwhelming presence of slop. This raises concerns about the reliability of language usage data and the potential collapse of large language models (LLMs) that rely on diverse, high-quality training data.

Moreover, slop is infiltrating academic spaces. A study revealed that a significant portion of academic papers examined had been processed with LLMs, raising questions about the validity of research and the networks of citation that underpin scientific knowledge. The potential for AI-generated content to misinform and mislead is particularly troubling, especially when it comes to critical subjects like health and education.

The Slop Economy: A New Frontier

The rise of slop has given birth to a new economy, where individuals—often referred to as "sloppers"—generate content at scale using AI. These sloppers exploit the demand for content on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Amazon, creating a cycle of low-quality production that feeds into the insatiable appetite for engagement. The economics of this new frontier are simple: on one side, there is the demand for content; on the other, the supply of AI-generated material that can be produced at minimal cost.

For example, Facebook’s Performance Bonus program incentivizes creators to produce engaging content, regardless of its quality. This has led to the proliferation of bizarre, AI-generated images and stories that garner attention but lack substance. The creators behind these pages often operate anonymously, generating revenue through engagement metrics rather than providing meaningful content.

The Human Element Behind Slop

While slop may seem like an entirely machine-driven phenomenon, it is essential to recognize the human element that fuels its existence. Behind the scenes, there are individuals who exploit generative AI to create content that meets the demands of various platforms. These creators often share tips and strategies on social media, forming communities that thrive on the production of slop.

For instance, a Kenyan individual named Stephen Mwangi has become a prominent figure in this slop economy, managing numerous Facebook pages filled with AI-generated content. His methods involve using AI tools to generate engaging prompts and images, which he then posts to attract attention and earn revenue through Facebook’s monetization programs. This highlights the intersection of technology and human entrepreneurship, where individuals leverage AI to navigate the digital landscape.

The Future of Content Creation

As the internet continues to grapple with the rise of slop, the future of content creation remains uncertain. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of generative AI with the need for quality and authenticity. While AI can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing creativity and productivity, its misuse can lead to a dilution of meaningful content.

The consequences of slop extend beyond the digital realm; they affect libraries, educational institutions, and even the way we consume information. As the volume of low-quality content increases, the burden falls on readers and consumers to sift through the noise in search of valuable insights. This shift necessitates a more discerning approach to content consumption, where individuals must actively engage with the material they encounter.

Conclusion: Navigating the Slop Landscape

The rise of slop represents a significant challenge for the digital landscape, as AI-generated content threatens to overwhelm human creativity and compromise the integrity of information. As we navigate this new reality, it is crucial to foster a culture of discernment and critical thinking, ensuring that quality content continues to thrive amidst the noise. The future of the internet depends on our ability to recognize and elevate meaningful contributions while mitigating the impact of slop. In this evolving landscape, the responsibility lies with both creators and consumers to champion authenticity and creativity in an age increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.