One larger problem here is the value of a research paper is rarely the specific knowledge it adds but in the process of researching that adds to the collective knowledge+experience of those involved, especially training graduate students. AI papers shortcut this entirely. Academia has a lot to answer for this too by making papers the currency of success. AI generated papers are almost shortcut learning at a full system level.
I disagree for academia using papers as an easy medium for verification and providing more knowledge. Llms always short circuit everything, so how would you fix academia?
Jan 2026 <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/2026/01/ai-slop-science-publishing/685704/" rel="nofollow">https://www.theatlantic.com/science/2026/01/ai-slop-science-...
"For more than a century, scientific journals have been the pipes through which knowledge of the natural world flows into our culture. Now they’re being clogged with AI slop."
Academia, particularly the university system, is an untenable collection of interests. The triple stresses of COVID, AI, and funding withdrawal seem to presage what will be a significant disruption.
greenflag · · focus · HN ↗
doc_ick · · focus · HN ↗
PantaloonFlames · · focus · HN ↗
Jan 2026 <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/2026/01/ai-slop-science-publishing/685704/" rel="nofollow">https://www.theatlantic.com/science/2026/01/ai-slop-science-...
"For more than a century, scientific journals have been the pipes through which knowledge of the natural world flows into our culture. Now they’re being clogged with AI slop."
Sept 2026 <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/09/college-education-future-ai/688655/" rel="nofollow">https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/09/college-education-...
Academia, particularly the university system, is an untenable collection of interests. The triple stresses of COVID, AI, and funding withdrawal seem to presage what will be a significant disruption.