I feel offended by the use of "AI" generated images and text
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I've been subscribed to a newsletter for many years. In the last couple of years, I admit, I haven't read it. But the other day I did - and when I arrived at the bottom of the letter I unsubscribed. Not because I realised I hadn't read it in a long time. Not because I'm not even really interested in the topic anymore. But because of the use of a very clearly "AI" generated image.
I am very much against "AI" programmes like Chat GPT and the like. They are harmful to our planet, to creatives, and therefore to humanity at large. I don't like the term "AI" either. While these programmes are artificial alright, there is nothing intelligent about any of them. It's a programme, not a thinking mind.
Anyway, I unsubscribed. I posted on social media: "You use AI generated images in your newsletter? I unsubscribe," and got a few responses that made me think about it a bit more. Am I too harsh in my refusal, not nuanced enough? But then I realised: What really pisses me off about "AI" generated output (besides the environmental and ethical implications) is when the people who use it don't seem to give a fucking shit about what they actually put out there. E.g. so many images are so very obviously "AI" generated that it jumps into your face immediately. If, say, a book in such an image looks like it comes straight out of an image by Escher, I actually do feel offended. Yes, offended.
Does that person think their audience will not recognise the flaw? If so, they must think their audience pretty stupid. Or did the person not see the flaw themselves? Then they can't take their audience seriously enough to put actual effort into their product by taking the time to thoroughly examine the "AI" output. Further, does this person want my engagement, maybe even my money, but is not willing to put effort or money in creating their product or the marketing for that product? Whatever it is, their behaviour is offensive and they are not worth my time, let alone my money.
There are resources out there that offer free photos and graphics, made by humans, who give their work to the world to use. Sure, finding these resources is time consuming, and searching through them for the right image is even more time consuming. But again: Does this person want my engagement, maybe even my money, but is not willing to put effort or money in creating their product or the marketing for that product? If that is so, then why exactly should I care?
I do understand that owning a small business is not easy and money might be tight. But that is the case for other artists as well. Using harmful technology because it's easier and seemingly cheaper for you is bad behaviour. Interstingly, the person I mentioned above used to use images from Unsplash and other similar places. Why the switch to "AI" now?
People who use "AI" generated output make their decision, and they are free to do so. But so am I. They decide to throw bad "AI" output into my face, I decide to unsubscribe and not do business with them. No one has to like my decision, the same as I don't have to like theirs.
How are you handling "AI" content? Do you disengage as quickly as I do, or are you not quite so fast? There are (almost 😉) no wrong answers. I think everyone has their own reasons and pain barriers, and that's usually fine.
- Elena.
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