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Saved February 14, 2026
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The article discusses a growing backlash against AI-generated content, highlighted by companies like iHeartMedia and The Tyee adopting human-only policies. As consumers express a desire for authentic human-made media, the article predicts a shift towards "100% human" marketing in 2026.
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AI-generated content, often referred to as "slop," is increasingly permeating various aspects of life, from social media to real estate listings. Merriam-Webster declared "slop" the word of the year for 2025, emphasizing its negative connotation. As the quality of AI-generated imagery improves, distinguishing real from fake is becoming harder. This has led to a growing sense of unease among internet users, sparking a backlash against AI content. For instance, iHeartMedia has introduced a "guaranteed human" tagline, revealing that 90% of its listeners prefer content created by humans over AI.
The trend isn't limited to audio content. The Tyee, a Canadian news outlet, has adopted a no-AI policy for its journalism, and there’s a noticeable resistance in Hollywood against AI-generated productions. Shows like "Pluribus" highlight the human element in their credits, while projects like Tilly Norwood, an AI actress, face skepticism. Pinterest's integration of AI has frustrated its core users, and public sentiment in New York City reflects a growing distrust of AI technology, as evidenced by vandalized ads for an AI recording device.
An artist frustrated with the quality of online content created Slop Evader, a browser extension that filters search results to pre-2022, indicating a desire to return to earlier internet standards. Despite the backlash, AI's corporate supporters remain strong, claiming it will revolutionize productivity and creativity. However, the mixed experience of consumers—ranging from useful chatbots to dangerous misinformation—suggests that many still value human creativity and authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.
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