I didn’t quit social media in 2025, but I might have to if this awful trend continues in 2026 (www.techradar.com)

In a personal reflection, TechRadar’s Staff Writer, Jamie, discusses the growing concern over the influx of AI-generated content flooding social media platforms like Instagram. Despite initially planning to reduce his social media usage in 2025, he finds himself increasingly engaged with Instagram, which has transformed into a hub for low-quality AI-generated images and videos. This trend, which has even led to the term "slop" being named the word of the year by Merriam-Webster, raises alarms about the implications of such content for authentic social interactions and creative expression. Jamie emphasizes the unsettling nature of this AI content, ranging from bizarre animations to nonsensical ads featuring figures like a grotesque version of Mark Zuckerberg. He argues that this shift undermines the core purpose of social media as a platform for meaningful connection and self-expression. As Meta continues to prioritize such content over innovative features that enhance user experience, Jamie contemplates deleting Instagram altogether, reflecting broader concerns in the AI/ML community about the quality and purpose of AI-generated media in creative spaces.