25
'Slop' has been chosen as Merriam-Webster's 2025 Word of the Year, reflecting the rise of low-quality digital content, often generated by artificial intelligence. In this context, it describes content that is deemed creepy, zany, and demonstrably fake, highlighting concerns over the saturation of the internet with such material. The term encapsulates the frustrations surrounding the overwhelming amount of subpar content produced rapidly, often lacking substance or accuracy.
AI has significantly influenced content quality by enabling the rapid generation of large volumes of text, images, and videos. While this technology can enhance creativity and efficiency, it has also led to a proliferation of low-quality content, often referred to as 'slop.' This includes misleading information, poorly crafted narratives, and generic outputs that lack depth and originality, raising concerns about misinformation and the overall degradation of digital media standards.
The choice of 'slop' as the Word of the Year reflects trends such as the increasing reliance on AI for content creation, the spread of misinformation, and the general decline in content quality across various media platforms. In 2025, the internet was inundated with low-quality AI-generated materials, prompting Merriam-Webster to select a term that encapsulates the public's growing frustration with the digital landscape, characterized by excessive noise and superficiality.
'Slop' was first recorded in the English language in the 1700s, originally meaning soft mud or waste. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass items of little value or quality. This historical context underscores how language adapts to cultural shifts, as 'slop' has transformed from a physical description to a term capturing the essence of low-quality digital content in the age of AI.
Recent words of the year have included terms that reflect societal trends and concerns. For instance, in 2024, 'polarization' was selected, highlighting divisions in public discourse, particularly around political issues. Other notable words from recent years often focus on themes of technology, social media, and cultural shifts, showcasing how language evolves in response to contemporary challenges and experiences.
Dictionaries typically select their Word of the Year based on extensive analysis of language trends, usage statistics, and cultural significance. They monitor the frequency and context of words throughout the year, considering factors like media coverage, social media discussions, and public interest. The chosen word often reflects a significant societal issue or phenomenon, capturing the zeitgeist and resonating with current events.
Generative AI plays a transformative role in content creation by automating the production of text, images, and videos. This technology utilizes algorithms to generate outputs based on patterns in existing data, allowing for rapid content generation. While it can enhance creativity and streamline workflows, it also raises concerns about quality, originality, and the potential for misinformation, as many outputs may lack the nuance and depth of human-created content.
Public perceptions of AI vary widely, with some viewing it as a powerful tool for innovation and efficiency, while others express concerns about its implications for job displacement, privacy, and the quality of information. The rise of low-quality AI-generated content has contributed to skepticism, as many people worry about the authenticity and reliability of information online. These mixed feelings highlight the need for ongoing discussions about AI's role in society.
Examples of 'slop' in today's media include misleading news articles, poorly designed advertisements, and generic social media posts that lack substance. Additionally, AI-generated content, such as fake news articles that mimic real reporting or low-quality videos that spread misinformation, exemplifies this term. The prevalence of such content reflects broader concerns about the integrity of information and the challenges of discerning credible sources in the digital age.
Combating low-quality digital content requires a multi-faceted approach. Education plays a crucial role, as teaching media literacy helps individuals critically evaluate sources and discern credible information. Encouraging responsible content creation practices among publishers and platforms can also improve quality. Additionally, promoting transparency in AI-generated content and supporting initiatives that prioritize quality over quantity can help mitigate the impact of 'slop' in the digital landscape.
