Everything is an AI scam now

In recent weeks, users on YouTube have encountered advertisements for questionable products, raising concerns about the integrity of online marketing. This trend has spilled over into other areas of the internet, with side ads appearing increasingly dubious. The author expresses frustration over the lack of verification for such content, likening the situation to a "breakdown of truth itself."

Advertisements have seemingly escaped spam filters and now thrive unchecked, leading to a surge of poorly made junk that subverts reality. Many people recognize the ads as fake, but the scammers only need a small percentage of gullible targets to turn a profit. The situation extends beyond advertisements; email spam has also become more sophisticated.

The author provides an example of a spam email that closely mirrors the content of their own blackout poetry book, suggesting it was generated using AI. Furthermore, the author shares that they offer the book for free as a downloadable PDF, making it clear that the email is a phishing attempt targeting writers and creators. The author deletes such emails but notes that scammers are tailoring their approaches to exploit vulnerable individuals.

They propose verifying products before accepting ads and call for more vigilance and awareness, but acknowledge that constant scrutiny for truth is exhausting.