Reddit uses LLMs to combat spam, a problem LLMs helped create

The rise of powerful large language models (LLMs) has made it easier for bad actors to spread spam across the internet. As a result, spam and bot content have become an even bigger problem. Reddit says it has developed tools using LLMs to combat spam, much of which was created with LLMs in the first place.

Reddit blocks 23 million spam views per day and catches about 25,000 new spam posts and comments each day. The platform says its updated tools, powered by LLMs, are catching spam at a higher rate than before. According to a Reddit blog post, these tools can identify highly subtle, coordinated patterns of fake behavior and artificial hype that older systems once missed.

The company claims it reduced users' exposure to spam by 20% from January to March compared with the prior three months. This development comes as social platforms are grappling with the challenges of AI-generated content. YouTube, Meta, and Instagram allow users to post AI-generated content as long as they disclose it, while TikTok is letting users toggle how much AI-generated content they want to see.

The ability to detect AI-generated content quickly also means that platforms have the potential to flag violative content like hate speech more quickly. However, experts stress that AI content moderation must be paired with human moderation to achieve the most effective results. Why this matters: The use of LLMs to combat spam highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between platforms and those seeking to exploit them.

As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, platforms must invest in sophisticated tools to maintain user experience and safety. For developers and businesses, this means that integrating AI into content moderation is no longer a nicety, but a necessity. For consumers, it means that online platforms will need to strike a balance between allowing creative freedom and protecting users from harm.

The effectiveness of Reddit's approach and the challenges it faces will likely serve as a bellwether for the industry, raising questions about the future of AI-driven content moderation and the ongoing battle against spam and abuse.