AI-Generated 'Slop' Declared Merriam-Webster's 2025 Word of the Year as Platforms Struggle
Merriam-Webster names 'slop' its 2025 Word of the Year, defining it as low-quality, AI-generated digital content. This reflects tech platforms' struggles with the influx and community division.
Overview
Merriam-Webster officially designated "slop" as its 2025 Word of the Year, reflecting a significant trend in digital communication and content creation observed throughout the year.
"Slop" is defined as digital content of low quality, often produced in large quantities by artificial intelligence, including widespread AI-generated images across social media platforms.
The selection was influenced by growing concerns over misinformation, deceptive deepfakes, and copyright infringement issues stemming from the vast amount of AI-produced content online.
Tech platforms are currently struggling with the overwhelming influx of generative AI content, which critics fear is actively contributing to the division of digital communities.
Macquarie Dictionary also highlighted 'slop' for its relevance to AI and digital clutter, while Cambridge Dictionary selected 'parasocial' as their 2025 word of the year.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the negative implications of AI-generated content, using Merriam-Webster's "word of the year" as a springboard. They highlight the perceived low quality and overwhelming quantity of "slop," portraying it as a detrimental force in digital communities. The narrative focuses on concerns about content value and societal polarization, rather than exploring any potential benefits or neutral aspects of AI's impact on content creation.
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