In a significant shift towards prioritising genuine content, Snapchat has announced it will cease recommending entirely AI-generated videos in its Spotlight feed. This decision aligns the popular platform with others like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Substack, all of which are increasingly combatting the rise of “AI slop”—a term coined to describe low-quality, wholly artificial content flooding the internet.
A Commitment to Authenticity
Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, revealed its intentions on Friday, emphasising a return to “authentic, human-made content.” The proliferation of AI tools capable of generating everything from essays to lifelike videos has resulted in a surge of content that many users find lacking in quality and originality. While Snapchat will not outright ban all AI-generated material, it will actively discourage the promotion of content created solely by machines. Instead, the platform will still support AI-enhanced or edited posts, fostering a balance between innovation and authenticity.
Research indicates that users increasingly recognise the pitfalls of AI-generated content, often deeming it repetitive and of inferior quality. A growing concern is that as users encounter more of this type of material in their feeds, their ability to discern genuine content diminishes, potentially eroding trust in social media as a whole.
Industry-Wide Efforts to Combat ‘AI Slop’
The recent moves by Snapchat are part of a broader trend across social media platforms. Chris Best, co-founder and CEO of Substack, highlighted the challenges of identifying real from fake online. He noted that a staggering 40% of writing on social media may now be AI-generated, reinforcing a collective industry responsibility to maintain integrity. Substack is introducing tools to help readers identify AI-created content, while LinkedIn has rolled out a feature allowing users to flag posts suspected of being generated by AI.
LinkedIn’s chief product officer, Hari Srinivasan, shared that the platform has already blocked billions of attempts to post AI-generated comments in recent months. This proactive stance aims to eliminate the influx of inauthentic contributions, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to fostering genuine professional interactions. LinkedIn will also be removing an automated feature that suggested AI enhancements for posts, opting instead for traditional proofreading tools.
YouTube’s New Guidelines
YouTube is also tightening its policies regarding monetisation of content. The platform has categorised certain types of videos—generic, repetitive, or template-based—as ineligible for monetisation. This step aims to deter creators from producing content that prioritises quantity over quality, often facilitated by AI tools. Matt Halprin, YouTube’s trust and safety chief, acknowledged the dual-edged nature of AI technology, which can be used for both innovative and fraudulent purposes.
The changes across multiple platforms are a clear indication of the tech industry’s awareness of the “AI slop” phenomenon. As these platforms strive to maintain their credibility, they are taking decisive actions to ensure that the content users engage with is authentic and enriching.
Why it Matters
As social media continues to evolve, the rise of AI-generated content poses a significant challenge to the integrity of online interactions. By taking a stand against “AI slop,” platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, and LinkedIn are not only enhancing user experience but also working to restore trust in digital communication. This commitment to authenticity is essential in an age where genuine connections and credible information are more important than ever.