Consider This from NPR The cream of the slop: this year's AI highlights
12 snips
Dec 19, 2025 
Shannon Bond, an NPR technology reporter, and Geoff Brumfiel, a science and technology reporter, dive into the chaotic world of AI in 2025. They discuss ‘AI slop’ and how it’s reshaping online reality, highlighting striking examples like a deepfake video of Trump. The duo explores the implications of realistic AI-generated content, including misinformation risks in elections and the quirky viral sensation of bunnies on a trampoline. They also share advice on spotting AI fakes while cautioning against unchecked skepticism.
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Slop Is Mainstream Online
- AI-generated "slop" is now mainstream and defined as low-quality digital content produced by AI.
- NPR frames 2025 as the year AI reshaped online reality, making slop pervasive across platforms.
AI Hits Viral Scale
- The YouTube channel Funtastic YT pumped out AI cartoon-cat shorts and scored hundreds of millions of views.
- Spotify feeds were flooded by The Velvet Sundown, an AI-made band streamed millions of times before detection.
Political Memes Turn AI-Powered
- President Trump posted an AI-generated fighter-jet meme flying over protesters, reshared by administration accounts.
- The White House often reshares meme content and appears comfortable using AI-driven online messaging.