Explore the rise of 'AI slop' – low-quality, surreal AI-generated content flooding the internet, driven by algorithms and economic incentives, and discover how creators are making a living from it.
The internet of 2024-2025 is defined by 'AI slop,' a phenomenon of low-quality, surreal AI-generated content like 'Shrimp Jesus' and 'Ghiblification' designed to farm views. Emerging with popular large language models, this content, despite its uncanny nature and lack of context, has become a lucrative profession globally. Driven by algorithms optimized for engagement and an economy offering dwindling returns for traditional work, creators worldwide are leveraging AI tools to generate viral content. The article details the journey of Oleksandr, a Ukrainian creator who built a significant business producing thousands of AI-generated videos, from 'sexy AI girls' to 'erotic tractors,' earning substantial income despite YouTube's content moderation. While not artistic, this 'conveyor belt' approach highlights how AI slop capitalizes on clickbait and sensationalism, reflecting the current state of the algorithm-driven consumer internet, a trend strongly opposed by traditional artists like Hayao Miyazaki.
