One of the worst pieces of news for professional and amateur photographers alike is the finding that AI-generated images are becoming more popular than real photos.
اضافة اعلان
A study conducted by Google in collaboration with Scandinavian publisher Bonnier News revealed that AI-generated images outperform real photographs in terms of user engagement.
A Significant Advantage for AI Images
Through their collaboration on developing and testing an AI application called Bonnz AI, Google and Bonnier News found that images created with AI received higher click-through rates (CTR) than real photographs.
In a joint statement, they said, "Early results showed that AI-generated images from Bonnz AI significantly outperformed real images in advertisements. In many cases, AI images achieved a remarkable 100% improvement in CTR compared to original photos."
Impact on the News Industry
Although Google and Bonnier are not advocating for the use of AI-generated images in news articles, their partnership reflects the rapid adoption of AI by media organizations.
By mid-2023, nearly half of newsrooms were already using AI-powered chatbots, according to a survey conducted by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).
If media outlets continue to prioritize AI-generated images over real photos, the future of professional and amateur photographers could be at risk.
Getty Images and Shutterstock Merger
This shift in the industry coincides with a major business deal—Getty Images and iStock merging with Shutterstock in a $3.7 billion deal.
The announcement sparked criticism, with social media users sarcastically dubbing the new entity "Jotterstock."
In a joint statement, Getty Images and Shutterstock said the merger aims to meet the "evolving needs of creative, media, and advertising industries through joint investment in content creation, event coverage, and technological innovation."
Additionally, they plan to cut costs by $150 million to $200 million within the first three years of the merger.
For now, photographers uploading their work to either platform can still earn a minimum of $0.10 per image sale, depending on the licensing terms and exclusivity agreements.
The rise of AI in photography may redefine the industry, posing a challenge for traditional photographers while offering new opportunities for AI-driven creativity.
