[AI-generated photo of backpacking. Photo Credit to Pixabay] 

Google announced on April 16 , 2024, the release of a new generative artificial intelligence (AI) feature for Demand Gen campaigns in Google Ads.

This feature enables advertisers to create AI-generated images using textual prompts, specifically for advertising visuals.

The tech giant indicated that this enhancement aims to boost ad relevance and engagement across various platforms, such as YouTube.

As AI rapidly develops, its influence is becoming increasingly evident in various fields, particularly in image creation.

While AI image generators have both affirmative and negative sides, the key focus should be on balancing the benefits of AI-generated creativity with the associated responsibilities.

AI's ability to create new images based on text descriptions or simple sketches is attracting attention across many industries, including art, design, marketing, and game development.

These tools not only provide new creative ideas to professionals but also allow everyday users to easily create high-quality images, reshaping traditional creative processes and driving innovation.

AI image generators generally use deep learning technology, particularly generative adversarial networks (GANs), which consist of two neural networks: the generator and the discriminator.

The generator creates a new image, which the discriminator then evaluates to determine if it’s real or AI-created.

This process enables AI image generators to create more elaborate and realistic images.

For instance, if a user enters the phrase “the view from the top of Mount Everest,” AI can quickly generate an image resembling a real photo.

This technology allows users to carry out image creation work quickly and accurately, tasks that were previously difficult and time-consuming.

Notable AI image generators include OpenAI’s DALL·E, Midjourney, Stability AI’s Stable Diffusion, Adobe’s Firefly, and Canva.

These tools are valuable in various fields and contribute to the integration of AI into creative industries.

In the fields of art and design, AI image generators help artists explore new creative ideas, experience various styles, and reinterpret original works in innovative ways.

In marketing and advertising, companies can use these tools to create images for campaigns and promotional materials, which can strengthen brand identity and communicate with consumers more effectively.

AI image generators also impact game development, enabling the efficient and detailed creation of visual elements that would otherwise require significant time and resources from human artists.

However, the rapid development of AI image generators raises ethical issues.

One such issue is the creation of deepfake images and videos.

Deepfakes are fake images, audio recordings, or videos that use AI to make them appear authentic.

This technology can lead to serious problems, including invasion of privacy and defamation.

In some cases, deepfakes are used to create false or harmful content that spreads rapidly, causing real-world harm.

A recent issue in South Korea involved the use of an AI image generator to create sexually exploitative images and videos.

These deepfake crimes mainly involved synthesizing pornography onto the faces of individuals, particularly middle and high school students and female teachers, and distributing them via the Telegram messaging app.

Deepfake videos could be created from actual photos or videos of victims found on social media, placing them in unwanted situations without their knowledge.

Anonymous platforms like Telegram made it easy to distribute these videos, making it difficult for victims to track how and where the videos were being used.

This case demonstrates the significant damage AI technology and image generators can cause when misused, highlighting that technological advancements can bring not only convenience and innovation but also potential exploitation.

Additionally, concerns about copyright and ownership of images generated by AI are growing.

As these images become more widespread, questions about who owns the rights to these creations have emerged.

These complex legal and ethical issues underscore the need for specific guidelines and legal responses as image creation technology continues to advance rapidly.

AI image generators represent important technological developments that offer new creative possibilities in various fields.

However, as this technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the balance between innovation and responsible use remains a key focus for stakeholders in the field.