Since its inception, artificial intelligence has been tasked with creating a variety of items.
Another capability that AI has developed is its interpretation of the typical individual based on their state of residence in the United States.
The outcomes of this endeavor are indeed questionable.
The concept of an “average person” is inherently flawed, as we all should acknowledge by now. However, biases, fashion trends, and regional traditions seem to have influenced AI’s creation of representations of the “average” person from specific US states.
A Reddit user shared a series of AI-generated images labeled as “The most typical individual in [state name]” on the r/midjourney subreddit.
According to the post, the states chosen for this experiment included Texas, California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, and Maine, reflecting a diverse selection.
The results of this experiment are undeniably intriguing. Where should I begin?
The representation of Texas starts with a man dressed in “cowboy” attire, sporting a large cowboy hat, a brown sweater tucked into blue jeans, and a wide belt buckle.
On the other hand, in California, the AI envisions an individual adorned in a flamboyant shirt, oversized sunglasses, and flowing long hair exuding a flower-power vibe.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, the focus shifts to a different type of flora, with an individual perched on what seems to be a vast mountain covered in marijuana plants.
Clad in a green hoodie and hat, holding a rolled tobacco joint, this depiction raises eyebrows regarding the accuracy of such portrayals.
Before delving into Oregon, where a woman with short greyish-blue hair awaits, let’s take a detour to Florida. There, we encounter an elderly individual with a white beard, sporting long blue shorts, a wide red shirt, and a sunhat by the roadside.
As we venture to Maine, renowned for its lobster, a significant shift occurs.
Our AI-generated persona is depicted wearing a hat adorned with an actual shrimp, symbolizing the local culture.
While the accuracy of these representations may be debatable, especially for those unfamiliar with these regions, they offer a unique perspective.
Upon sharing these AI-generated images online, they elicited a range of reactions. One disgruntled Reddit user criticized the original poster for using “uninspiring prompts for the purple states.”
Another viewer expressed disappointment, stating, “Hey, Maine is great. Do we really need everything to be about lobsters? Thanks.”
Nevertheless, these creations have captured the curiosity of many, with numerous requests for additional AI-generated images representing more states.
