I have come to think that the reason why people are prepared to accept AI slop is because the software industry was so blase about quality. They already had slop, now they get it cheaper.
You're giving the system too much credit. The users and the SWEs don't get a choice in this, they eat whatever the thought leaders and PMs spec out. They are the ones who make the decisions, you can either get on board or look for a new job.
There isn't an actual diverse ecosystem of most consumer software, just a monoculture of largely undifferentiated clones.
But we should be concerned shouldn't we? These people are exempt from laws, they and their presecessors made, for which they will happily condemn the common person and profit again when you pay for your crime.
These people are exempt from laws, they and their presecessors made
Well, that's the problem, right there. We shouldn't be thinking about making new laws that they also won't subject themselves to. We should be thinking about shoring up the rule of law, and ensuring that they are always held accountable.
Unfortunately, today's partisan politics prevents that from happening. The partisans - on BOTH sides - behave as if it's more important that their own side appear faultless and all guilt falls on their opponent. So partisans ensure that those on their own side will get a free pass.
Do you want zombies, because this is how you get zombies...