Scholarly Insights on the AI Model Collapse and the Need for Epistemic Hygiene

After the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, AI specialists began to seriously consider the potential implications of this phenomenon—not just for technology but also for the data itself. One significant concern is that generative AI has started to **»clutter»** the internet with synthetic content.

According to several researchers, this could lead to a so-called **»model collapse»**—a situation where neural networks increasingly learn from data generated by other neural networks, gradually degrading the quality and reliability of the outputs. This issue is termed Model Autophagy Disorder (MAD); as models undergo further iterations of self-training without access to «clean» (human-generated) data, they begin to lose their ability to generate accurate and diverse reasoning, which could undermine not only the trustworthiness of AI but also the competitive landscape.

Companies that successfully collected high-quality datasets before 2022 are at a significant advantage. However, experts warn that data contamination from generative content poses a risk not just to model quality but also to the rise of monopolies. New entrants will find it increasingly difficult to break into the market, as they may have no access to «untainted» data.

Proposed solutions include mandatory labeling of AI-generated content, the development of federated learning, and restricted access to clean data without direct transfers. Yet, each option carries its own risks, from privacy infringement to potential abuses by governments or corporations. While Europe, with its AI Act, is poised for regulation, the USA and the UK continue to adopt a hands-off approach to avoid stifling innovation.

Nonetheless, researchers emphasize that an AI collapse has not yet been proven; however, if it does occur, recovery may be impossible. Therefore, action must be taken now to preserve **»epistemic hygiene»**—the integrity of the information upon which the future of artificial intelligence relies.

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[Source](https://digitalcryptography.ru/news/novosti-otrasli/uchyenye-o-kollapse-ii-modeley-i-epistemicheskoy-gigiene/)