Does the existence of AI slop mean there is AI whatever the opposite of slop is?

You see it a lot on posts online “AI SLOP” “I HATE AI” and similar. And truthfully they aren’t wrong that a lot of things created by AI are slop. People creating things quickly because they can without a lot of critical thought behind the creation.

When I was in art school (because of course I went to art school) the biggest thing one of my instructors would say is “What about that?” This was primarily used for people who were creating art for arts sake. Not putting thought behind the work just making the work. I have never had a problem with people creating art for art’s sake but this line stuck with me and I think it applies to work with AI.

The why is just as important as the how. I am not against AI or for AI. I think AI is a tool that allows people to create things that they normally wouldn’t be able to create. I am not going to say whether they should create things, I just want people should do it intentionally.

Of course, as with all new tools, you have to learn how to use it before you can use it intentionally. Which means anyone using AI is going to create absolute garbage first. Just like in writing “The first draft of anything is shit”. This means that you shouldn’t be afraid to use AI tools, but you should be intentional in your use. When you are learning have a goal for what you are creating. And iterate to get what you want and then note what you did to get there.

And I know about building stupid shit fast (pixel pusher would like a word) but even when I was building that I had a specific goal with what I was building: a print shop clone because it is 2026 and nostalgia is what is getting us through the shit show that is everything.

I admit I get tired of the constant AI slop comments. But the only way to combat those comments is to take the time to create things with intention. Don’t use AI because it is quick or easy. Use it because it is the best tool you have in your arsenal.