Reddit’s human content surges as users push back against AI slop

As artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content floods the internet, Reddit is seeing renewed growth driven by users seeking authentic, human interaction.

Ines Tan, who works in communications, says she frequently turns to Reddit for skincare advice, reactions to shows like The Traitors, and even help planning her upcoming wedding. 

“It’s a very empathetic place,” she says, noting she has found both emotional and practical support on the platform.

Founded in 2005, Reddit reported 116 million daily active users worldwide in its most recent third-quarter earnings, a 19% increase year-over-year. 

The platform, once stereotyped as a hub for tech enthusiasts and gamers, has evolved significantly. 

In the US and UK, women now make up more than half of users, and it is the fastest-growing social platform among women in the UK.

Reddit organises discussions into user-created communities known as subreddits, where posts are ranked by upvotes rather than chronology. 

Volunteer moderators oversee these communities, while company administrators can intervene when necessary.

Chief Operating Officer Jen Wong says Reddit’s human-driven discussions stand out in an increasingly AI-saturated internet. 

However, experts warn that the platform faces challenges, including groupthink, misinformation, and coordinated manipulation such as “brigading” and “astroturfing.”