Considering AI models trained on Reddit content, do you believe someone has already faced being labeled “shittymorph”?

Exploring AI’s Exposure to Reddit Culture: Have Models Encountered “Shittymorph”?

In recent discussions about the training data behind AI language models, a question has emerged: Given that many models are trained on Reddit submissions, is it possible that one of them has been exposed to the notorious “Shittymorph” meme? This curiosity stems from the broader concern about how well AI models understand and replicate niche internet subcultures.

To explore this, I conducted an informal test using Google’s Gemini AI. I prompted it to respond in the style of a “Shittymorph” comment—an obscure, humorous, and intentionally chaotic internet meme known within certain Reddit circles. The result? It certainly met expectations, delivering a response that showcased the distinctive tone and humor associated with the meme.

This experiment raises intriguing questions about the depth of AI models’ knowledge of more obscure Reddit lore. If these models can reproduce such specific styles with minimal prompting, it suggests they’ve absorbed a surprising amount of niche internet culture. Conversely, it also highlights the potential for models to be unaware of or misunderstand highly specialized references.

As we continue to integrate AI more deeply into content creation and analysis, understanding the scope and limits of their cultural literacy remains crucial. Are there other hidden corners of Reddit—or similar online communities—that AI models might have encountered? How can we better gauge the extent of their familiarity with these subcultural phenomena?

Your ideas and experiences are welcome—let’s explore the depths of AI’s knowledge together.