I enjoy studying AI because I see amazing innovations that are and will be life-changing. But the rise of AI trends like “dignifAI” and “purifAI” shows a worrying side, where technology is used to push old-fashioned and divisive ideas.
“dignifAI” (AI Software) alters pictures of women to make them wear more traditional clothes, fitting an outdated idea of modesty. This has sparked intense debate about personal freedom, self-expression, and forcing old norms through digital means. It raises a big and uncomfortable question: Who has the right to decide what’s seen as dignified or modest online? Example below:
“purifAI” goes even further, changing people’s racial features in photos. This not only increases racial prejudice but also highlights how AI can be used to discriminate, supporting harmful stereotypes. Example below:
These examples are just the start of the ethical problems we’re facing with AI today. As AI becomes more entwined with social media, it increases the trolling and spreading of hatred, pretending it’s just for laughs or criticism. This is a call to action, making us ask how responsible AI creators and online platforms should be in stopping technology from being used to target or divide people. Sadly, these creators will keep going until they’re stopped.
Why does it matter? Haven’t people misrepresented one another for centuries in art, literature and media?
Scale and Speed: AI processes and alters images or data at a scale and speed far beyond human capabilities. This means that the impact will be widespread and immediate, affecting a vast number of people across different platforms and geographies in a short period.
Automation and Pervasiveness: The automated nature means continuous and widespread application of these technologies without constant human oversight. Without control, it leads to the normalisation of biased or discriminatory alterations, making them common and accepted in digital spaces.
Sophistication of Alterations: AI makes very sophisticated alterations that are difficult to detect or distinguish from unaltered content. This only further erases authenticity and trust in digital media.
Ethical and Social Implications: The development and application of “dignifAI” and “purifAI” highlight ethical dilemmas around consent, freedom of expression, and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes or social norms. All of these are only magnified in the digital age, where the reach and impact of technology are unprecedented.
For those working in technology, ethics, and social media, staying quiet isn’t an option. We need to directly tackle these AI trends, pushing for AI that respects everyone’s freedom and promotes a welcoming environment. This is a clarion call for ethical guidelines and strong moderation tools are crucial to make sure AI makes our online world better, not worse!
I wish for an AI future that lifts people, celebrates our differences, and makes digital spaces safe from force and bias. Moving towards ethical AI is full of challenges, but by facing these issues head-on, we aim for a digital world that’s kinder and truly inclusive. Let’s not just hope for this future; let’s make it happen!
What are you seeing? What do you think?