AI ‘slop’ is transforming social media – and a backlash is brewing

A significant influx of artificial intelligence-generated content is rapidly altering the landscape of social media platforms. These AI-created images and videos, often described as “slop,” are saturating feeds, leading to concerns about authenticity and the potential for misinformation. The core question emerging from this trend is whether the average social media user will truly be bothered by the proliferation of synthetic media, or if the novelty and convenience will outweigh concerns about genuine content. As AI technology becomes more accessible, the ease with which realistic-looking but fabricated visuals can be produced is unprecedented, posing challenges for content moderation and user trust. This technological shift is already sparking a nascent backlash, with creators and users alike expressing apprehension about the dilution of genuine human expression and the ethical implications of widespread AI-driven content. The long-term impact on user engagement, platform integrity, and the very definition of online content remains to be seen, but the current trajectory suggests a fundamental transformation is underway.