What is the danger?
AI makes it almost free to produce articles, reviews, books and images. The internet is filling with low-quality, often inaccurate AI content — “AI slop” — and some of it slips into trusted outlets. At the same time, the business of real journalism is under pressure, leaving fewer people to check the facts.
How it happens
- Content farms publishing thousands of AI-written articles to capture search traffic.
- Writers and publishers using AI without checking what it produces.
- AI summaries replacing visits to news sites, cutting the income that pays for reporting.
Real cases
In May 2025 the Chicago Sun-Times published a syndicated summer reading list that recommended books that do not exist. The freelance writer admitted he had republished a list produced by an AI tool without checking it.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times ↗
Warning signs
- Articles with no named author, or an author with no traceable history.
- Oddly generic writing, invented quotes or details you can’t find anywhere else.
What you can do
- Check facts that matter against a second, trusted source.
- Support real journalism — subscribe to outlets that do original reporting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the danger of journalism in AI?
AI makes it almost free to produce articles, reviews, books and images. The internet is filling with low-quality, often inaccurate AI content — “AI slop” — and some of it slips into trusted outlets. At the same time, the business of real journalism is under pressure, leaving fewer people to check the facts.
How does it happen?
Content farms publishing thousands of AI-written articles to capture search traffic. Writers and publishers using AI without checking what it produces. AI summaries replacing visits to news sites, cutting the income that pays for reporting.
How can I protect myself?
Check facts that matter against a second, trusted source. Support real journalism — subscribe to outlets that do original reporting.
Latest updates on journalism
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