It’s becoming tough to escape “slop,” that AI-generated fluff that has invaded our work presentations, social media, and even news outlets. Merriam-Webster named “slop” as the word of the year, describing it as something messy and off-putting. You might have seen bizarre AI creations, like “Shrimp Jesus” or the latest cheesy cat videos. But now, even the signs of AI are getting slicker, tricking many of us into thinking they’re real.
A scroll through TikTok can feel like a challenge: Can you spot the fake video among the real ones? It’s frustrating when you realize you’ve been fooled. Interestingly, a backlash is brewing. iHeartMedia recently introduced the tagline “guaranteed human,” stating they won’t use AI-generated content. Their research shows that 90% of listeners prefer media created by real people.
Bob Pittman, the CEO of iHeartMedia, said consumers today are searching for more than just convenience; they want genuine connection. He emphasized the delicate situation for marketers as people seek deeper meaning in what they consume.
Other media outlets are also taking a stand. The Tyee, an independent news site in Canada, announced they would not publish any AI-generated content. Their commitment adds to a growing sentiment against AI in journalism, particularly among smaller newsrooms.
Meanwhile, in Hollywood, the fear of AI replacing human jobs is palpable. Many creators are making a point to highlight that their shows are made by humans. The pushback against AI extends beyond media; on Pinterest, users are frustrated with the platform’s AI integration, while subway ads for AI recording devices have faced vandalism with messages like “AI is not your friend.”
One artist, frustrated with the online landscape, developed a browser extension called Slop Evader. It filters search results to show only content from before November 2022—the month ChatGPT was released. This reflects a growing desire for a more authentic web experience.
While it’s possible that AI will continue to dominate, the increasing consumer demand for human-made content can’t be ignored. When corporate leaders extol AI’s benefits, many people start seeing it as a trap. Our experiences with AI tools are mixed. Sure, they can produce entertaining content or useful recommendations, but they can also spread misinformation and distort reality.
It seems consumers might be ready to reclaim their preference for things crafted by human hands. In this evolving landscape, the desire for authenticity, especially in creative spheres, is likely to grow.
