The information: AI chatbots are filling junk web sites with AI-generated textual content that pulls paying advertisers. Greater than 140 main manufacturers are paying for adverts that find yourself on unreliable AI-written websites, probably with out their information, in keeping with a brand new report. 

Earning profits from junk: Most corporations that publicize on-line robotically bid on spots to run these adverts by way of a apply known as “programmatic promoting.” In consequence, large manufacturers find yourself paying for advert placements on websites that they might have by no means heard of earlier than, with little to no human oversight. To take benefit, content material farms have sprung up the place low-paid people use AI to churn out low-quality content material to draw most advert income.

Why it issues: Ninety p.c of the adverts from main manufacturers discovered on these AI-generated information websites have been served by Google, in violation of the corporate’s personal insurance policies. The apply threatens to hasten the arrival of a glitchy, spammy web that’s overrun by AI-generated content material, in addition to losing large quantities of advert cash. Learn the complete story.

—Tate Ryan-Mosley

To be taught extra about this development, try our senior AI reporter Melissa Heikkilä’s piece on why we’re hurtling towards a glitchy, spammy, scammy, AI-powered web.

“Forest bathing” would possibly work in digital actuality too

The Japanese idea of “forest bathing” has lengthy been acclaimed for its supposed well being advantages. Lots of of scientific research recommend that it will probably enhance psychological well being and cognitive efficiency, scale back blood strain, and even deal with melancholy and nervousness.