AI has been buzzing with groundbreaking innovations lately, from generating images and videos to powering smart conversations and streamlining office tasks. As more people experiment with this emerging tech, it's also sparking its fair share of debate.
Recently, an AI-generated promotional poster popped up on Japanese X (formerly Twitter), igniting a firestorm among netizens. Many quickly pointed out the "AI-specific uncanny valley feeling" that was evident even from a distance, questioning the organizers' oversight before its official release. What's more, they're noticing a growing trend of public agencies and event organizers increasingly using these AI-generated images.
The poster in question was reportedly part of a series promoting Iwate Prefecture's autumn festival. Besides Ochanomizu Station, Miyako and "Wanko Soba" versions also appeared in other locations. Despite being labeled "AI-generated" in the bottom left corner, the artwork still stirred up controversy.
The original poster on X commented that these easily identifiable AI-generated visuals are becoming ubiquitous. "Details aside," they wrote, "it just feels like a design made without any real effort."
One netizen, claiming to be from Tono City in Iwate, slammed the decision, noting that the area boasts many talented designers and artists who were overlooked. Instead, an AI piece was chosen to represent the region's image, leading them to declare, "The people in charge should be ashamed."
An advertising professional offered some insight, suggesting that the primary reasons for using AI art are likely its "speed and low cost." Commissioning a human artist can easily run into tens of thousands of yen, plus lengthy revision cycles. AI, on the other hand, can churn out visuals quickly, perfectly suiting clients who might not have a strong artistic background.
While the controversy rages, some netizens admitted they couldn't distinguish AI art from human-made work, lamenting, "In perhaps another year, AI images will be indistinguishable." Others pointed out that with more precise instructions and design input, AI art could evolve to a new level, though this still hinges on "whether the client can articulate their needs clearly."
It's clear many organizations are embracing AI-generated illustrations for their convenience and time-saving benefits. While the current style might still be recognizable, who knows? The day might come when we truly can't tell the difference, and then we'll really have to marvel at AI's progress.
via： togetter