LinkedIn introduced a “seems like AI slop” button last month to help users flag posts that appear AI-generated. Within the first two weeks, over one million users clicked the button, according to LinkedIn Chief Product Officer Hari Srinivasan. The platform reported a 40% drop in views on content classified as AI slop compared to a few weeks before the feature’s launch, signaling early impact on content quality.
The feature aims to combat the rise of AI-generated content that contributes to what is known as the “dead internet theory,” a concept describing the internet’s decline in genuine human interaction due to bot and AI activity. Srinivasan emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining LinkedIn as a space for authentic perspectives. Pitchbook analyst Rudy Yang noted increased bot activity online, aligning with observed trends of agentic AI presence across platforms.
The dead internet theory, which emerged in the late 2010s, has gained traction as AI and automated bots proliferate digital spaces, diluting real user engagement. LinkedIn’s move to empower users to identify AI-generated posts reflects broader industry efforts to preserve content authenticity amid rising AI content creation. This initiative positions LinkedIn among platforms actively addressing AI’s influence on social media dynamics.
Hari Srinivasan highlighted that despite progress, LinkedIn recognizes the need for continued efforts to ensure the platform remains a place for real people and perspectives. The company’s data on reduced views of AI slop content provides a measurable indicator of the feature’s effectiveness in its initial weeks, underscoring ongoing challenges in managing AI-generated content.