Merriam-Webster has named "slop" the Word of the Year for 2025, shining a spotlight on the surge of low-quality digital content driven by artificial intelligence.
Originally meaning "soft mud" in the 1700s, "slop" now captures the essence of digital materials that lack value and substance.
The selection reflects growing concerns over the overwhelming presence of misleading information, from fake news to AI-generated junk that floods social media.
This decision highlights the urgent need to address the quality of information circulating online, emphasizing how AI has transformed content creation.
Across various news outlets, there's a shared acknowledgment that "slop" encapsulates the intersection of technology and media, prompting introspection about our digital consumption habits.
Ultimately, choosing "slop" serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and perils of the internet age in 2025, urging society to consider the consequences of unfiltered digital content.
20
