Navigating the 'Slop': Understanding the Rise of AI-Generated Misinformation

Mon Dec 15 2025 13:18:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As generative AI gains prominence, the term 'slop' emerges to describe the deluge of low-quality digital content, raising awareness about misinformation and digital authenticity.

In a world inundated with poorly crafted AI-generated content, the term 'slop' has emerged as a descriptor for such low-quality digital output. Highlighted by Merriam-Webster as the word for 2025, 'slop' encapsulates the chaotic evolution of online misinformation exacerbated by artificial intelligence. With formats ranging from fake news to absurd videos, the growing prevalence of such 'slop' reflects society's increasing recognition of the need for genuine, high-quality content. Experts recognize that this shift points to a desire for authenticity amid the digital noise. The conversation around 'slop' also emphasizes the transformative challenges posed by AI technology in our understanding of creativity and truth.

The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has led to a new linguistic entry in our digital lexicon: 'slop.' Used to describe low-quality digital content, the term has surfaced due to an overwhelming influx of misleading and nonsensical material online.

In an interview, Greg Barlow, the president of Merriam-Webster, highlighted 'slop' as the dictionary's word of the year for 2025, stating, It reflects a transformative technology and captures the fascination, annoyance, and absurdity surrounding AI-generated content. Originally defined in the 1700s to mean soft mud, 'slop' has evolved to encompass digitally produced material that lacks depth or value, often associated with misinformation campaigns, sensationalized propaganda, and deepfakes.

Barlow explained, The term encapsulates absurd videos, crude ads, and spurious AI-written books. Given the widespread availability and ease of use of generative AI tools, it's crucial for the public to increasingly recognize and discern this low-quality content from authentic material.

Political leaders have utilized AI to manipulate narratives, such as Pentagon officials using altered images to justify military actions. This has raised alarming questions about misinformation, particularly concerning the dissemination of fabricated narratives involving public figures.

The emergence of 'slop' correlates with a broader societal yearning for authenticity. Barlow remarked, People are becoming more aware of the prevalence of fake content — they want genuine and real experiences. This awareness is a hopeful sign, illustrating a growing desire to cut through the digital clutter and seek quality.

As we navigate this new era of content creation, the need for more discerning consumption of digital material becomes paramount. By collectively advocating for transparency and genuineness, we can mitigate the overwhelming impact of 'slop' and promote a healthier online environment.