Pinterest Fights AI-Generated 'Slop' with New Tools

Pinterest Addresses the Rise of AI-Generated Content

Pinterest has announced plans to address the increasing presence of AI-generated content on its platform.

New Labeling and Control Features

Responding to growing user concerns, the social networking and image pinboarding service will begin labeling images created or modified using artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to provide greater transparency for users.

Furthermore, Pinterest will introduce a new feature enabling users to limit their exposure to generative AI Pins. This offers a degree of control over the content displayed within their feeds.

The Threat to User-Generated Content

These changes highlight the challenges generative AI poses to platforms reliant on user contributions and social interaction. The ease with which AI can produce images has led to a surge of low-quality content.

This influx of what is often termed “AI slop” threatens to overshadow authentic, human-created content, potentially diminishing the user experience.

Identifying AI-Generated Images

When viewing an image Pin in detail, users will now see an “AI modified” label located in the bottom left corner.

Pinterest will utilize both image metadata analysis and its own proprietary classifiers to identify AI-generated content, even when it lacks obvious indicators.

Creators will have the opportunity to appeal any incorrect labeling of their content.

User Control Over AI Content

An upcoming feature will allow users to select a “see fewer” option on GenAI Pins within specific categories, such as beauty and art, which are particularly susceptible to AI saturation.

This option will initially be available through the three-dot menu on Pins. Selecting it will signal Pinterest’s systems to prioritize non-AI content for that user.

The company plans to expand this control to additional categories over time.

The Potential Impact on Pinterest

For a platform centered around aspirational imagery in areas like fashion, home decor, and travel, a flood of AI content could be detrimental. Some users have already expressed concerns about the platform’s direction.

Discussions on platforms like Reddit have highlighted a significant increase in low-value AI-generated content across Pinterest, impacting browsing, searches, and board suggestions.

Future Developments

Pinterest intends to introduce further tools in the coming months to refine its approach to AI. The company acknowledges the potential of GenAI to inspire, provided it is implemented responsibly.

Matt Madrigal, Pinterest’s CTO, stated that the goal is to empower users to make informed choices about the content they encounter. He emphasized that AI content should enhance inspiration and benefit all Pinterest users.

The launch date for the new control setting has not yet been announced, but is expected “soon.”