How Much of Data-Center Activism Is Really AI Slop?
Anti-data center activism is prevalent across the US, but much of its online expression is being influenced by or generated by AI, referred to as "AI slop." This AI-generated content includes inaccurate summaries, fake memes, and fabricated stories about data center projects. Despite the inauthentic online content, communities have genuine concerns about data centers' impact on local utilities, open spaces, and job creation.
Americans are increasingly wary of AI and the data centers appearing nationwide, leading to widespread community protests and successful lobbying for moratoriums on construction. However, this movement's online expression has been significantly affected by AI-generated content, or "AI slop," raising questions about its authenticity.
Examples of this AI-generated material include inaccurate search summaries, such as a claim about data centers using human stem cells, and a debunked rumor about a new data center on Long Island that nearly incited a protest. Furthermore, a disturbing trend of AI-generated memes has proliferated, showing nostalgic American countryside scenes with anti-data center messages or depicting new industrial buildings next to old farmhouses, often with generic captions praising specific states.
A common template features aerial images of pristine farmland alongside fabricated stories of farmers rejecting multi-million dollar offers from data center developers. While many users recognize these stories as fake, others respond credulously. These posts often contain visual inconsistencies or textual errors indicative of AI generation, such as deformed state outlines or irrelevant text.
The origin of this "AI slop" is debated. While some, like entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary, suggest foreign actors are involved, experts like Henry Ajder believe it's more likely individuals creating content for monetization through platforms like Meta, which rewards engagement. Despite the inauthentic nature of some online content, communities harbor legitimate concerns about data centers' strain on local utilities, consumption of open spaces, and limited long-term job creation.