Artists and AI: How to Advocate for a Better Future

Is there a way forward? What does it entail?

Would you be okay with making a fake photo of yourself for your LinkedIn? I came across an article from the Wall Street Journal in which they recently did a headshot test to determine if the subjects could tell which was real and which one was AI generated. In this clip, can you tell which is real and which is fake?

Tools used in the test included MidJourney, a generative AI program that converts text prompts into images. A few of the images turned out usable, but others had errors like too many fingers or teeth. Other images didn’t end up looking like the subject or were obviously fake.

The overarching question at hand is whether AI-generated content will reach a point of such remarkable realism that it becomes indistinguishable from non-AI creations. This development raises significant concerns for multiple reasons.

First and foremost, the absence of regulation could potentially unleash a flood of counterfeit photos across the Internet. The ramifications of this unchecked proliferation of fake imagery are substantial. Imagine having just one of your images online—someone could manipulate it to depict you in fabricated scenarios and poses. Your image could be exploited without your consent, leading to its unauthorized use in advertising, political propaganda, and posing potential security and economic risks, particularly if you hold a position of political or public significance.