How AI Is Changing Writing — With Tony Stubblebine - Big Technology Podcast Recap

Podcast: Big Technology Podcast

Published: 2025-10-29

Duration: 1 hr 4 min

Summary

Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, discusses the challenges and implications of AI-generated content, particularly in the context of quality versus quantity. He emphasizes Medium's proactive measures to filter out low-quality AI content while navigating the evolving landscape of writing.

What Happened

In this episode, Tony Stubblebine joins the Big Technology Podcast to delve into the growing issue of AI-generated content, often referred to as 'AI slop.' He addresses a recent Wired article that claimed a significant percentage of content on Medium is AI-generated, arguing that the focus should be on how much of that content reaches readers rather than just its presence on the platform. Stubblebine asserts that while there has been a tenfold increase in submissions, the quality of what readers see remains intact due to Medium's stringent filtering processes.

Stubblebine explains that AI-generated stories can vary in quality, and not all of them are low-quality or 'slop.' He points out that platforms like Medium are already adept at combatting spam and have adapted their strategies to tackle this new wave of content. He underscores that the core issue is not merely the volume of AI content but the effectiveness of the algorithms in preventing low-quality submissions from reaching readers. Stubblebine's insights reveal a nuanced perspective on how platforms manage the influx of AI-generated content and the ongoing efforts to maintain quality standards.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What is AI slop and why is it a concern?

AI slop refers to low-quality written content that is generated using AI tools and posted online for engagement. Stubblebine explains that while some AI-generated stories can look human-like, they often lack substance and serve as a new form of spam. This type of content floods platforms like Medium, raising concerns about its impact on the overall quality of writing available to readers.

How does Medium handle the influx of AI-generated content?

Medium employs various tools and strategies to combat the increase in AI-generated submissions. Stubblebine notes that they treat this content similarly to traditional spam, aiming to block it outright when possible. If they are uncertain, they allow it onto the platform but make concerted efforts to prevent it from appearing in search indexes or recommendations.

What was the response to the Wired article about AI slop on Medium?

Stubblebine expressed that the Wired article posed the wrong questions, focusing on the amount of AI content on Medium rather than the quality seen by readers. He believes that Medium's filtering mechanisms are effective, as most complaints he receives relate to comments rather than the posts themselves, indicating that the quality control measures in place are working.

Is the increase in AI-generated content on Medium sustainable?

Stubblebine notes that while there was an initial tenfold increase in submissions, this surge did not sustain an exponential growth. He explains that the market for AI-generated content has stabilized, becoming less interesting over time, and that Medium's existing tools for managing spam have adapted to this change.

What does Stubblebine think about the quality of AI-generated writing compared to traditional content?

Stubblebine argues that while AI-generated content can appear human-like, it often lacks depth and is crafted to exploit engagement algorithms. He believes that the incentives driving content creation online have existed before AI, but the scale at which AI operates has intensified the challenge, making it crucial for platforms like Medium to maintain rigorous quality standards.