Merriam-Webster has selected “Slop” as the word of the year, highlighting the rapid spread of AI-generated content on the web. While this content often appears fluent and can be produced on a large scale, it increasingly lacks depth and quality. The term “slop” typically refers to a messy or low-quality mixture, aptly representing the nature of much AI-produced material now common online. Advances in AI language models have enabled mass production of blog posts, news, and other written content, but this output frequently falls short in authenticity and substance. Merriam-Webster’s choice reflects a new era where AI begins to replace human writing, raising concerns about the accuracy and quality of information available online. This proliferation of substandard content can mislead users and undermine information reliability. Experts and consumers alike must carefully evaluate AI-generated material and rely on credible sources. In the coming years, dictionaries and educational institutions may increasingly adopt terms that capture the evolving nature of digital information. Despite AI’s growing capabilities, human creativity and critical thinking remain essential to maintaining standards and trust in the information landscape.
Source: decrypt
