博客

阅读正文

The landscape for online recipe creators is undergoing a significant transformation, posing a serious threat to their livelihoods. The root of this challenge lies in the recent introduction of Google’s AI Mode, a feature that generates condensed recipe summaries directly within search results. While seemingly convenient, these AI-created recipes frequently combine instructions from various sources, sometimes leading to confusing or even dangerously incorrect dishes. A widely cited example includes an AI suggestion to cook with non-toxic glue, a detail erroneously extracted from a satirical website.

This issue is not entirely new; for several years, food bloggers have observed their meticulously developed recipes appearing in AI-generated content, such as ChatGPT responses or digital cookbooks, often without proper attribution. However, Google’s AI Mode has considerably intensified the problem. A key factor is that recipes themselves generally lack copyright protection. While the specific wording of instructions might be protected, the underlying method or list of ingredients typically is not. Consequently, many food bloggers rely heavily on advertising revenue, which is generated when users visit their websites.

With AI Mode providing immediate summaries, fewer users are compelled to click through to the original blogs. This has resulted in substantial drops in website traffic and, subsequently, a dramatic decline in income for many creators. Carrie Forrest of Clean Eating Kitchen, for instance, has reported an alarming 80% reduction in traffic over the past two years. Experts, including Matt Rodbard, editor of Taste, have described this trend as an “extinction event” for numerous ad-supported recipe websites. Users, often content with the AI’s quick overviews, frequently remain unaware of the valuable detailed advice and tested methods provided by human experts.

In an attempt to adapt, some bloggers are focusing on cultivating loyal communities and producing unique, high-quality content. Nevertheless, even their elaborate recipes are being “synthesized” by AI into basic, uncredited lists. The future remains uncertain. Shifting to a subscription model, for example, presents significant hurdles for smaller creators who lack a large existing follower base. While a minor revival in physical cookbook sales has been noted, AI is even beginning to compile content from these printed works without permission.

Despite these considerable difficulties, there is a potential silver lining. A recent survey suggests that as individuals gain more experience with AI, their trust in AI-generated content tends to diminish, with nearly half of respondents rating human-produced content as more trustworthy. This indicates that the intrinsic value of authentic, human-tested recipes may eventually be reaffirmed. The evolving digital realm prompts an important question: what long-term impact will AI have on creative professions reliant on original content?