Merriam-Webster has named “slop” as its 2025 word of the year, describing it as low-quality digital content often produced by AI. This reflects a growing skepticism about AI’s benefits amid its rising adoption, particularly among executives looking to cut costs. Critics like Ed Zitron argue the economic model for the AI industry is flawed, citing unsustainable costs compared to revenues. Although investments in AI are surging, profitability remains elusive, partly due to the expansive costs of data centers and complex financing structures.
Concerns are mounting about the potential risks of AI, especially as it replaces human workers in various sectors, leading to growing skepticism about its purported benefits. Recent incidents underscore the limitations of AI, such as errors made by AI in legal contexts and bizarre inaccuracies in content creation. Critics like Cory Doctorow emphasize that AI is mostly a collection of tools rather than an impending wave of superintelligence.
The potential for a stock market correction driven by overvaluation of tech stocks is real, with significant implications for the broader economy. Predictions suggest that a decline in stock prices could adversely affect GDP and public finances in the UK. Ultimately, while the investment boom in AI continues, underlying issues and skepticism raise questions about its viability and long-term impact on both the market and society.
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