AI Covers: The Decline of Authenticity

by Summer Tyler

The outlook for artistic careers has become increasingly uncertain due to the rapid rise and widespread dependence on AI platforms in recent years. Instances such as the use of AI-generated covers in posters at SUNY New Paltz and advertising campaigns in prominent publications like Vogue have sparked controversy, emphasizing a growing trend of both established professionals and aspiring creatives relying on technology not only for inspiration but also as a substitute for their own creative processes.

​When looking at an AI-generated photoshoot cover featuring famous supermodel Bella Hadid, the perfection of the photo stands out the most. The smoothness of the background, the way each design and color are placed with perfection. Models hear all the time, “You look like a Barbie doll, you are perfect. Perfect body. Perfect face.” But what happens when imperfections are erased from our media? Aren’t imperfections and abstraction what make us humans so special? So captivating and memorable?

​The computer seems to be deciding what is worth presenting, rather than human beings and creatives who may be overshadowed by AI “artistry.” The place of AI-art in mainstream society is thought to silence college students, especially those with majors such as graphic design. The SUNY New Paltz Office of Communications and Marketing chose to design a poster using AI, rather than turning to student creatives, which does not sound like giving students an opportunity to create, but rather silencing their human ideas. In an article published by The New Paltz Oracle, Seamus Greene, a fourth-year theatre arts major at New Paltz, called the AI art “a slap in the face and a disregard to my craft and my study that I’ve spent four years doing here, [especially knowing this] art is kind of the study of the human condition.”

​One interesting aspect of this conversation is that the office responded, stating they were obligated to engage with large technological companies, and that was their way of reaching students through art. Does reaching and getting students’ attention involve turning to capitalism? Turning to computers? If AI art is the blueprint, according to college higher-ups, where does that leave students with majors in the visual arts? It seems like a waste to undermine a student artist’s abilities, especially when there are very few laws regarding the public use of AI art.

​Students and postgraduate artists are seeking jobs that may be threatened by AI’s growing popularity. As a student, I’ve been asked to refrain from using AI in any of my assignments. If the people in positions of power use it to reach students, use it as a way to inspire, and present it to the public, where does that leave us? Does that make it okay for us? Or will we be shunned for not being able to think for ourselves?

As the editor of a literary magazine, I believe that accepting submissions created by AI defeats the purpose of having a student-run publication. The core mission of our magazine is to highlight student creativity through original art and writing. As an editor, my responsibility is to review submissions for grammatical accuracy and appropriateness for our publication, while also identifying elements that reflect the unique skills and creativity of our student contributors.