Business Insider · 24 Oct, 09:00 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

The internet has a human slop problem, and AI is exposing it

Recent reports highlight a growing saturation of low-quality, AI-generated content across the internet, termed 'human slop'.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reports highlight a growing saturation of low-quality, AI-generated content across the internet, termed 'human slop'. This phenomenon is increasingly visible as artificial intelligence tools accelerate content production, often prioritising volume over substance. Consequently, digital spaces are becoming cluttered with repetitive and unoriginal material, making genuine human insight harder to identify. The issue raises concerns about information integrity and user experience, suggesting that the ease of generating text and media is outpacing mechanisms for quality control. Professionals must now navigate an environment where distinguishing authentic expertise from automated output is becoming a critical daily challenge.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must now distinguish yourself through authentic human expertise, as generic AI output loses its competitive edge. Critical thinking and editorial judgement rise in value, enabling you to curate and verify information effectively. Develop skills in content strategy to ensure your work offers unique perspective rather than mere volume. Focus on building trust through transparent communication and specialised knowledge that algorithms cannot easily replicate. Audit your digital presence to remove low-value content and prioritise high-quality, original insights. Invest in learning how to leverage AI as a tool for enhancement, not replacement, ensuring your output remains distinct. Professionals in marketing, communications, and knowledge management should act immediately to refine their personal brands. By emphasising nuance and ethical standards, you position yourself as a reliable source in an increasingly noisy digital landscape.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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