'That's so AI ' What gen Alpha's biggest insult tells us
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Gen Alpha uses 'That's so AI!' as an insult for anything inauthentic or rubbish.
The Guardian reports that for Generation Alpha, the phrase 'That's so AI!' has become a general-purpose insult meaning something inauthentic, unbelievable, or rubbish. Children have broadened the definition of AI to equate it with 'bullshit,' applying it to knock-off merchandise, exaggerated claims, or parental excuses. The slang reflects a negative view of AI, with the generation already regarding AI-generated content as superficially convincing but cheap and of dubious value. The article notes the phrase is always used as an insult, and even Donald Trump's proposed 'Super Intelligence' (SI) and driverless taxis are dismissed as 'AI.'
What commenters are saying
Commenters discuss the origins of 'slop' as a term for poor-quality content, with several noting it predates AI and 4chan, dating back to 19th-century usage for 'liquid household refuse' and earlier. Some debate whether Gen Alpha independently arrived at 'AI' as an insult or adapted it from online slang. A recurring sentiment holds that younger generations have a clearer understanding of technology's negative societal impact, having grown up with its most exploitative forms, while others argue they lack context and suffer from doomscrolling and short-form video addiction.
Several commenters express concern about the bleak future facing Gen Alpha, citing unaffordable housing, AI-driven job displacement, and climate change. One user shares they are postponing having children due to these conditions.