AI-generated imagery becomes widespread in advertising and social media

The proliferation of AI-generated imagery in advertising, restaurant menus, and social media is leading to a noticeable homogenization of visual content. Businesses, small associations, and local shops are increasingly adopting these tools due to their low cost and ease of use, often allowing users to generate promotional materials in seconds using only a smartphone.

However, this trend has faced significant criticism. Users and critics have noted that AI visuals often lack “soul” and appear repetitive. Experts, such as Lee Rainie of the Imagining the Digital Future Center, suggest that AI tends to “smooth out imperfections,” creating a hyper-perfect look that makes the content easily distinguishable from reality. Beyond aesthetic concerns, the technology has also drawn backlash regarding its environmental impact and its role in workforce displacement.