AI Slop Or Smart Marketing? Southern Maryland Debates AI-Generated Business Graphics

CALIFORNIA, Md. — AI-generated flyers are becoming increasingly common across Southern Maryland social media, and local residents responding to a recent BayNet Facebook poll say they are noticing — not always for the right reasons. From crowded layouts and strange graphics to designs that respondents said look nearly identical from one business to the next, the growing use of artificial intelligence in local marketing is raising questions among community members about creativity, credibility and what customers actually want to see.

If you’re spending any time online these days, you may feel like artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere.

Either it’s obviously being used to create content, with varying results, or people are talking about it and how it’s helping or harming the world.

Last month, locals responding to The BayNet on Facebook picked up on a new element of how AI is changing the ways we interact online — some said everything is starting to look the same. Some have referred to low-quality AI-generated content as “AI slop,” but local responses also pointed to another layer of content and creation that they felt falls somewhere between slop and quality.

Respondents described graphics that are bright and packed with words and images to the point where they can be difficult to read. AI-generated graphics can also include errors or unusual visual elements, including typos, distorted images or inaccurate details. But it was the patterns, colors and overall layouts that drew particular criticism from local respondents, some of whom questioned whether the finished products actually looked good.

For some locals responding to The BayNet, the concern went beyond the appearance of the graphics. Several said they had started forming negative impressions of people and businesses that use generic AI-generated designs.

We asked for reader opinions through a poll on our Facebook page and received numerous comments from users who said they were tired of AI-generated graphics. Some described the graphics as “creepy” and “oversaturated.” One commenter said crowded flyers gave them a headache.

There’s been plenty of discussion online about what programs like ChatGPT could mean for the graphic design field. Local designers wrote in, too, sharing concerns about their own careers and what they believe AI-generated designs could mean for the brand reputation of small businesses.

One anonymous designer said she moved back to Calvert County with the intention of working with small businesses in her hometown.

“Art is more than just creating something that looks good. It reflects experience, creativity, relationships, and the unique perspective of the person behind it. Every logo, illustration, menu, mural, or brand identity created by a local artist represents hours of learning, collaboration, and craftsmanship. When businesses choose AI-generated graphics over working with local creatives, it can reduce opportunities for the people who are actively investing their time, talent, and passion back into this community,” the designer wrote, adding that she understood how AI could be useful as a tool but “should not replace the creative process.”

Another local designer expressed understanding for businesses that see AI design as a way to save money.

“As a small business owner, I understand the financial constraints other owners face. I think a balance can be found,” the designer wrote. “For example, a business owner most of the time will not have the budget to hire a graphic designer for a weekly flyer, and I won’t fault them for using AI. But for a business logo and branding package, I would recommend professionally designing the logo and not using AI.”

The designer also referenced circumstances such as T-shirt design. For a small order, she said AI design isn’t a big deal. But for bulk and more expensive orders, the designer said she believes it’s worth investing in a designer to get the graphic right and make sure it’s high-quality.

She also advised people to educate themselves about different types of AI and how they work to better understand how to create what they want and use the technology ethically.

Facebook commenters on our post said seeing businesses use AI flyers gave them a negative impression of the business. Some respondents said it cheapened the brand, while others said using AI for something as simple as a flyer is “embarrassing” or that it “takes the soul” out of local businesses.

Overall, many respondents to The BayNet’s Facebook poll expressed frustration with AI-generated graphics. A few said AI was the future and encouraged others to get with the times. But many of the locals who responded said they still prefer to consume content and art made by real people. Their comments reflected a desire for content that feels like it has something to say, values their time and recognizes them as people rather than simply consumers.

The Facebook responses also reflected skepticism about whether AI can serve as a stand-in for a designer. Some local respondents and designers argued that without design experience guiding the process, AI-generated materials can produce poor results and lack the judgment or creative perspective a professional designer brings to the work.

There’s a saying about marketing work: Done is better than perfect. Based on the community opinions expressed in response to The BayNet’s poll, some locals might offer an updated version for AI-generated marketing materials: “Good is better than done.”

Or at least try not to give people a headache.

Keep us updated on how you use AI and what you think!

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