I’ve written previously about how many websites are producing clickbait articles with sensationalist headlines and provocative content, sacrificing honesty for the sake of clicks.
Now, a recent investigation by cybersecurity firm DoubleVerify has uncovered a network involving more than 200 websites publishing AI-generated articles for the sole purpose of generating advertising revenue.
We recently uncovered a coordinated network of 200+ MFA domains. Viewed individually, each domain appears to be an independent lifestyle blog. But they all have the same AI-generated articles and images and are optimized for ad delivery, not user experience. We’ve named the operation AutoBait ~ <credit: DoubleVerify>
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The investigation into this “AutoBait” network has highlighted just how easy it is to mass-produce fake online content. What makes this investigation particularly interesting is how it has provided insight into how the AutoBait network operates.
Apparently, the network operators accidentally exposed the AI prompts and code used to generate the fake articles in their JavaScript, instructing the AI to perform tasks such as:
- lead with sensational or shocking information
- inject strong emotions such as fear or urgency
- create slideshow-style articles designed to keep users clicking
- generate images that look like authentic smartphone photos
DoubleVerify has labeled the network an “AI Slop Factory”, which is, in my opinion, a totally appropriate moniker. The concerning aspects here are:
- How many more of these AI slop factories remain undiscovered
- Just how easy it is to game the system
- How very little it costs to set up this type of scam for potentially huge rewards. The reward-to-cost ratio is off the scale
BOTTOM LINE:
Remember the old saying, “Don’t believe everything you read in newspapers“? That old saying applies to online content, now more than ever.
- You can read DoubleVerify’s full report at: Inside An AI Slop Factory
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Thanks Jim
Yep unfortunately it is going to get worse before it gets better. I have also noticed a huge number of YouTube sites are now using sensational click bait headlines often bearing little or no resemblance to the actual content. Also more use of Ai-generated voice overlays which is an immediate turn-off for me and, as soon as I recognise it, I don’t go back. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft’s recent promise to allow Users more control over the use or not of Ai in Windows (amongst other promises) comes to pass. I won’t hold me breath.
Cheers
Reg
I won’t be holding my breath either Reg.
Thanks Mr Hiller,
Regarding the AI slop, what about technical advice about my computer? How good is the AI in diagnosing computer problems? I am a former computer programmer (long time ago) and still dabble at it. Recently moved from Microsoft to LInux, as I thought M11 was going to be a headache. Still learning my system. I probably need to ask people, but i don’t know any local. Anyway, some of the AI stuff is good, other is horrible.
Hey Robert,
Personally, I wouldn’t trust AI to diagnose PC issues. In my opinion, AI is still a long way off being perfected.
Your best bet for help with Linux is via one of the many forums. Simply search online for a forum which supports your particular distro.