Spotting AI Slop – free checklist (episode 22)

Why it matters

"AI slop" is a name for low-quality content that AI makes, usually in bulk, often with mistakes, that you didn't ask for. These five checks help you pause before you watch, trust or share it.

The 5 checks

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Who asked for it?Did anyone ask for this, or did it just show up on your phone?Try: You wanted one cake. Why is there a whole window of them?General good practice.
Spot the copiesMany posts that look almost the same can be a clue.Try: Same voice, same look, same words, again and again.General good practice.
Hunt for mistakesLook for odd details, facts that don't add up, or things that look slightly off.Try: Check one fact. Does it hold up?One dictionary's definition says AI slop often contains errors.
Check who posted itDoes the same person or page post the same kind of thing again and again?Try: Tap their name. Scroll for ten seconds.General good practice.
Pause before you shareNot sure? Don't pass it on. One careless share helps it spread.Try: Count to five. Then decide.General good practice.

Tap a step when you have done it. Your ticks stay on this device.

Rule of thumb

low quality is a clue, not proof that AI made it.

Sources: Macquarie Dictionary, Word of the Year 2025 ("AI slop"); Merriam-Webster, Word of the Year 2025 ("slop"). The bakery story and the five checks are our own illustration and general good practice.

Episode 22: Spotting AI slop on your phone

Why it matters

The 5 checks

What Does AI Actually See in a Picture?

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