The proliferation of AI-generated content, often referred to as "AI slop," has sparked debate about its impact on the internet and society. This trend gained significant attention last summer with the viral video of AI-generated rabbits bouncing on a trampoline, which fooled many viewers and led to a surge of similar clips. Initially met with widespread criticism, this content is now prompting a re-evaluation of its potential value and artistic merit.
Caiwei Chen, in a recent analysis, explored the evolving perception of AI slop, noting that while many view it as a sign of the internet's decline, others find it compelling, weird, and even brilliant. This shift in perspective prompted Chen to investigate the underlying reasons for this change in attitude.
The rise of AI slop is intertwined with the broader phenomenon of "enshittification," where online platforms degrade in quality over time. AI is often blamed for accelerating this process by flooding the internet with low-quality, algorithmically generated content. However, some creators are leveraging AI tools to produce unique and engaging content, challenging the notion that all AI-generated material is inherently negative.
Experts in new media are studying how these emerging forms of content are being created and consumed. Companies are also developing bespoke tools to help creators harness the power of AI for artistic expression. These developments suggest that AI slop is not simply a sign of decline but a complex phenomenon with the potential for both positive and negative impacts. The ongoing discussion reflects a broader societal grappling with the implications of increasingly sophisticated AI technologies and their role in shaping online culture.
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