Users who once logged onto Facebook to catch up with friends and family are now encountering an increasing amount of random, spam-like content in their feeds. This AI-generated material, which can range from obviously fake images to recycled posts from real creators, is not just an annoyance but poses potential risks, including scams and the spread of discord by malicious actors.

The proliferation of such content is linked to Facebook's strategic shift towards prioritizing entertainment over social connections, aiming to boost engagement with less familiar content. However, this has resulted in an algorithm that frequently promotes empty, misleading AI-generated posts. The issue has become so prevalent that AI-generated or recycled meme content has made it onto Facebook's list of most viewed content.

Meta, Facebook's parent company, is aware of the issue and is working to reduce the spread of spammy content, offering users control over their feeds and encouraging creators to produce high-quality content. Yet, the challenge of identifying AI-generated images without making errors is significant, especially with the rapid advancement of AI technology.

The spam issue is further complicated by various actors with different motives, from those seeking to profit from Facebook's creator bonus payments to scammers looking to collect personal information or promote sham products. The use of AI tools has made it easier for these actors to produce large volumes of fake content, and the market for "aged" Facebook accounts, which can evade spam filters, adds another layer to the problem.

As Facebook and Meta work to address this issue, the battle against AI-generated spam is an ongoing challenge, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation to stay ahead of those looking to exploit the platform.