In our connected world, we spend a large part of our day scrolling through social media and streaming music. What many people are noticing more and more is that an increasing amount of what shows up on these platforms isn’t created by real humans but is generated by artificial intelligence tools. This includes animated clips, bizarre images and music that sounds like it was made by a computer pretending to be a band. For many Nigerians who rely on platforms like TikTok, Pinterest or Deezer for entertainment and connection, this growing flood of artificial content can feel overwhelming and disconcerting.
Technology expert Henry Ajder, who has spent years studying how AI fakes and manipulates digital content, describes this flood of low-quality artificial posts as “AI slop.” He compares the experience to trying to breathe clean air in a city filled with smog with no controls in place. Ajder’s point is simple: it is very hard to completely avoid AI-made content because it has become so widespread.
That said, there are steps you can take now to reduce the amount of AI junk that reaches you. Below is a guide to help you fine-tune your feeds and playlists so you see and hear more human-led posts and less generic machine-made noise.
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How Platforms Are Letting You Push Back
Pinterest: Turning Down the AI Noise
Pinterest started out as a place for original photos, ideas and creative inspiration. But lately, users have been complaining that their boards are being surfaced with AI-generated visuals that feel generic or repetitive rather than authentic. In response, the company has introduced a “tuner” within the app settings.
This tool lets you control how much AI-generated content appears in your suggested pins. You can find it under Settings in “refine your recommendations” and then under GenAI interests. From there, you can toggle off or lower the amount of AI influence in categories like fashion, décor, art, food or travel tips. The idea is simple: give users a dial so they see more real content from real people and fewer computer-generated images that don’t add value.
For Nigerians who use Pinterest for creative ideas, family projects, or event planning, adjusting these settings can make your feed feel more relatable and less cluttered with visuals that don’t connect to lived human experience.
TikTok: Filters to Shape Your “For You” Feed
TikTok has become one of the most popular social apps in Nigeria and across the world, especially among teenagers and young adults. It is also one of the platforms where AI-generated videos have surged. The company recently began testing new controls that let users influence how much AI content they see in the “For You” feed.
If your app has this update, you can go to Settings, then Content Preferences, and Manage Topics. Here you will find sliders that let you weigh how much of different types of content you want, including AI‑generated videos. You can also tap on a video, choose Why this Video, then Adjust your For You to reach the topic controls faster.
It’s important to know these controls do not remove AI content completely. TikTok says they help tailor what appears in your feed rather than blocking it entirely. But for many users, even reducing the amount makes the browsing experience feel more personal and relevant.
Deezer: Identifying AI‑Made Music
On music streaming platforms, AI has made it possible for anyone to produce tracks with a few written prompts. While this can be exciting for creativity, it also means fake or generic music can end up mixed in with works from real artists. One European platform, Deezer, is taking the idea of transparency a step further by labelling songs that are fully generated by AI.
Deezer has reported that nearly 40 percent of its daily uploads are AI‑made, and the service has identified millions of such songs since the system launched. The label helps listeners make informed choices about what they stream. It also sends a message to the music world that not all songs in your playlist are composed and performed by humans.
While larger services like Spotify have introduced their own spam filters, including removing millions of fake tracks last year, not all services still offer clear labels for AI content. The rise of AI in music raises complex questions about authenticity and creative rights, and listener tools like those from Deezer give users a way to recognise the difference.
Alternatives If You Want an AI‑Free Space
For people who are truly tired of algorithm‑generated posts or computer‑driven suggestions, there are emerging alternatives to mainstream platforms. These fresh options appeal to users who want communities built by humans and for humans.
Cara is a platform designed for artists to share original work. It bans AI‑generated pieces entirely, making it a favourite for creators who want their portfolios to reflect human effort. Pixelfed works like an ad‑free version of Instagram where communities focus on curated real content, and users can join servers based on shared interests. Spread is another network that focuses on human‑led ideas rather than algorithmic noise.
One intriguing newcomer is diVine, an app inspired by the once‑popular Vine video service. It is currently available to a limited number of users but is expected to enter app stores soon. diVine promises a strict no‑AI content policy backed by detection tools to ensure what you see is authentic. For users who have grown weary of algorithmic recommendations and endless streams of similar AI clips, these platforms offer refuge and a fresh way to connect.
Striking a Balance in Your Digital Life
As AI becomes more integrated into the tools we use daily, completely avoiding machine‑generated content may not be possible. But the shift doesn’t have to mean losing control of your digital space. By learning how to customise your settings on major platforms and exploring alternative apps with clearer human‑focused experiences, you can shape a more meaningful online life.
Whether it is filtering what appears on social media, identifying real music, or joining communities dedicated to human creativity, there are practical steps to reduce the artificial noise and keep your feeds filled with things that matter to you.
For many users in Nigeria and beyond, the goal is not to reject technology but to use it in ways that truly enrich everyday life. Recognising how to reduce AI junk and favour authentic content is a step in that direction. As platforms continue to evolve and respond to user feedback, it is worth staying informed and taking advantage of every tool that helps you control your digital world.
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