In a digital landscape inundated with low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence, Merriam-Webster has chosen “slop” as its 2025 Word of the Year. The term “slop” is defined by the dictionary giant as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” This selection reflects the growing prevalence of AI-generated content across various online platforms, from fake movie trailers on YouTube to AI-generated music on Spotify.
The evolution of the word “slop” from its original meaning of soft mud in the 1700s to now encompassing digital content of little value produced by AI highlights the transformative impact of technology on our daily lives. Greg Barlow, the president of Merriam-Webster, noted that “slop” captures the fascination, annoyance, and absurdity that many people experience when encountering AI-generated content online.
The proliferation of AI slop has prompted some platforms like TikTok and Pinterest to offer users the option to reduce its presence in their feeds. Even music streaming service Spotify has taken steps to address the issue, although challenges remain, as evidenced by the recent discovery of an AI-generated copycat on the platform. On the other hand, companies like Google have embraced AI-generated content by incorporating Veo 3-generated videos into YouTube Shorts.
While the designation of “slop” as the Word of the Year may seem lighthearted, it underscores a broader cultural shift towards grappling with the implications of AI technology. As AI continues to shape our online experiences, questions around authenticity, quality, and user control become increasingly relevant. The recognition of “slop” as a cultural phenomenon by Merriam-Webster serves as a reminder of the need to critically assess the content we consume and the technologies that produce it.
In a world where AI-generated content is becoming ubiquitous, the choice of “slop” as the Word of the Year invites us to reflect on the impact of technology on language, communication, and society as a whole. As we navigate this digital landscape, it is essential to consider how we engage with AI-generated content and the broader implications for media consumption and cultural discourse.
#MerriamWebster #AIGeneratedContent #DigitalCulture #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI
References:
– The Verge: [Merriam-Webster’s 2025 word of the year is ‘slop’](https://www.theverge.com/news/844640/merriam-webster-ai-slop-word-of-the-year-2025)
– Engadget: [‘Slop’ is Merriam-Webster’s word of the year](https://www.engadget.com/ai/slop-is-merriam-websters-word-of-the-year-181903322.html?src=rss)
– CNET: [‘Slop’ is Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/slop-is-merriam-websters-2025-word-of-the-year-as-ai-content-floods-the-internet/)
– Ars Technica: [Merriam-Webster crowns “slop” word of the year as AI content floods Internet](https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/12/merriam-webster-crowns-slop-word-of-the-year-as-ai-content-floods-internet/)
– Slashdot: [Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year Is ‘Slop’](https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/12/15/2133250/merriam-websters-2025-word-of-the-year-is-slop?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed)
– Windows Central: [‘Slop’ Is Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year as AI Content Floods the Internet](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/merriam-webster-names-slop-as-word-of-the-year-officially-recognizing-ai-generated-low-quality-content-as-a-cultural-phenomenon)
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