Facebook is currently inundated with bizarre AI-generated images, with one meme-worthy image being dubbed “Shrimp Jesus.” This surreal and often unsettling depiction of Jesus Christ fused with sea creatures has drawn wide attention and prompted baffled responses from online commentators. These images are an offshoot of the flood of AI-generated spam that has recently spread throughout Facebook as a form of engagement hacking, with the aim of maximizing engagement and algorithmic reach by pushing these images onto the timelines of as many real users as possible.
The rise of AI-generated images like “Shrimp Jesus” on Facebook can be attributed to the age of misinformation and the adaptation of young internet users who have grown up witnessing the spread of such content. While younger users have learned to spot clues indicating AI-generated images, seniors find it more difficult to recognize these telltale signs. As younger users have flocked to other platforms like TikTok and Instagram, seniors have remained on Facebook, leading to the steady filling of the platform with AI-generated garbage posted by spam accounts. These accounts boost engagement, algorithmic reach, and credibility by buying masses of bot followers in an effort to redirect users to low-quality sites.
A Stanford Internet Observatory study tracking this phenomenon noted the increase in fake “feel-good” stories accompanied by AI-generated images on Facebook. The spread of these images via Facebook’s recommendation engine “Suggested for You” has raised concerns, especially considering Facebook’s shift in 2018 to de-prioritize content from brands and news outlets. The change was intended to encourage meaningful interactions between people, but it inadvertently led to the proliferation of AI-generated spam and fake content, with clusters of bots commenting on strange images created by AI.
The surge of AI-generated images like “Shrimp Jesus” has been widely discussed on media-literate platforms, with commentators expressing a mix of amusement and concern about the trend. The era of AI-generated spam on Facebook has brought the Dead Internet Theory to life, with the platform becoming filled with bizarre and often nonsensical images created by AI. This phenomenon highlights the challenges posed by engagement hacking and bots on social media platforms, as well as the impact of algorithmic changes on the quality of content and user experiences.
As Facebook continues to grapple with the influx of AI-generated spam and fake content, users are urged to remain vigilant and discerning when encountering unusual or suspicious images on the platform. The prevalence of images like “Shrimp Jesus” serves as a reminder of the need to critically evaluate the content we consume online and to be aware of the tactics used by engagement hackers to manipulate algorithms and reach wider audiences. The discussion around AI-generated images on Facebook highlights the ongoing challenges of combating misinformation and ensuring the integrity of online platforms in the face of evolving technology and malicious actors.
