As America drifts further into the digital era, we find ourselves on the brink of a new societal condition, aptly symbolized by Merriam-Webster’s 2025 word of the year: “slop.” While this choice might initially seem trivial or gimmicky, there’s merit in its selection. “Slop,” defined as the mass of inane, mind-numbing content flooding the internet thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence, epitomizes the growing vacuum of critical thought and genuine engagement. It’s a reflection of the current cultural trajectory, where screens dictate our lives more than the tangible world around us.
The relentless tide of digital content has become a formidable force, captivating young and old alike. More alarming, it has the power to transform vibrant minds into passive receptacles for whatever drivel the algorithm decides to shove our way. It’s not merely about the content itself being low-quality but the insidious nature of how it’s consumed. Each scroll through social media, each video auto-played, draws us deeper into the void where time slips away, leaving us with little to show for it. The so-called “entertainment” doesn’t educate or inspire; it numbs.
Historically, warnings against such passive consumption of media have been heralded by thinkers and authors, yet society plunges headlong towards it. The parallels to dystopian narratives, like those found in David Foster Wallace’s “Infinite Jest,” are hard to ignore. His fictional entertainment that turns viewers into mesmerized zombies seems all too prophetic in today’s context, as we binge on inconsequential snippets that add up to nothing concrete. But rather than be enthralled by something of beauty or complexity, today’s consumer is left with empty calories of content—tasteless and devoid of nourishment.
The implications for the younger generation are particularly worrisome. Children, unarmed with the experience to discern meaningful from mindless data, are especially vulnerable to becoming the empty vessels we dread. Gradually, they risk losing the ability to dream, to aspire, or to engage in the world with curiosity and vigor. Even content that’s not overtly harmful can rob them of their precious, formative years, all while masquerading as benign. This begs the question: What are we doing to safeguard our children’s futures from this creeping malaise?
As defenders of traditional values, it’s imperative to acknowledge that this battle isn’t solely against objectionable or graphic material. The silent and pervasive threat lies in the sheer volume of vapid content that chips away at our mental acuity and our children’s potential. This is not to say we must reject technology or the internet entirely. Rather, we must be more vigilant, guiding the next generation to navigate this content-rich world with discernment and purpose. Our aim should be to nurture minds that are full of hope, dreams, desires, and passions—not empty vessels adrift in a sea of slop.
