In 2024, it is evident that a significant number of individuals have become accustomed to approaching widely shared images on social media with a degree of skepticism, wary of the possibility that they may be computer-generated rather than authentic photographs or genuine artwork. This cautious attitude extends even to legitimate photos and artistic creations, underscoring an unfortunate consequence of the widespread use of AI technology.
Despite critics characterizing AI-generated content as increasingly discernible or objectionable, the distinctions are becoming less clear and objectionable. This shift is not rooted in a categorical dismissal of AI-generated art as “obviously artificial,” but rather in the disorienting effect it can have on viewers, prompting reactions like “this doesn’t seem right.” A recent example that comes to mind is the purported leak of a photo from “Deadpool 3” featuring Wolverine’s iconic mask.
In the past few days, this image has circulated widely on social platforms, initially escaping thorough scrutiny. It depicted Hugh Jackman sporting a silver rendition of the costume at an expo, where Marvel ostensibly intended to unveil the classic comic cowl. At first glance, I found it quite convincing.
However, it was later revealed to be an AI creation. Even in an era where such instances are increasingly common, this particular case felt remarkably deceptive. Despite being aware of the need for careful examination, I, like many others, failed to detect the subtle hallmarks of AI until a collective effort exposed the ruse.
Nevertheless, there is something distinctly unsettling about this development. Some instances now blur the line to the point where one starts questioning the evidence of their own eyes. While there are still numerous blatantly artificial AI outputs in circulation, the rapid evolution of this technology raises concerns about the potential for sophisticated forgeries. While the current example may seem trivial—a whimsical book hat—it is disconcerting to consider that the technology showcased, such as the Midjourney v1 image engine released in February 2022, represents the present state of affairs. The pace of change is indeed remarkable.
Once again, we find ourselves contending with a deluge of AI-generated content spanning text, audio, video, and images. Yet, this particular instance struck me as noteworthy, causing me to pause and reflect. Despite my confidence in my ability to discern AI creations, the pace of technological advancement often outstrips my capacity to keep pace.
