Yes, and this has been the case for years. Cnet, ZDnet, PCmag have been user-hostile since long before AI summaries. Pop-ups, “before you go,” back jacking, all the worst.

The Verge is a surprise because it is relatively new and was relatively free of this crap for a long time.

They’re all just empty brands now. They totally caved to advertisers, and now only advertisers care about them.

I dare say AI’s popularity is a symptom of all this more than a cause.