Slop before the machines: Why the AI authenticity panic misses the point (nearlyright.com)

The recent scrutiny surrounding AI-generated content has revealed deep-seated anxieties rather than clear artistic standards, as exemplified by a forensic analysis of a promotional image for Apple's television series, Pluribus. Online commentators dissected this image, attributing various perceived flaws to AI involvement, showcasing a collective obsession with distinguishing between human and machine creation. This phenomenon highlights a new societal concern over authenticity and ownership in art, even when the immediate stakes are minimal. The article argues that this obsession distracts from recognizing that low-quality content, often termed "slop," has existed long before AI, driven by human endeavors in search engine optimization and advertising revenue. The discussion raises critical questions about the implications of generative AI in creative processes. While critics assert that AI can replace human creativity, the argument suggests that AI tools merely automate existing methods rather than create them anew. Just as the introduction of tools like photography or Auto-Tune transformed artistic practices without completely replacing human intervention, AI represents a continuum rather than a revolution. The piece advocates shifting the focus from policing AI's role in creativity to evaluating work on its quality and utility, urging a more nuanced conversation about art's evolution in a digital age.