AI image creation tools let you create fantastic, out-of-this-world images, as well manipulate existing images. You can use  AI photo enhancement apps for smartphone photography that reduce blur, sharpen images and enhance colors.

What Are AI Images?

An AI image is any image you create through an AI program. Images may be realistic, futuristic or abstract. For example, you can use AI images to create a children's story for your grandkids or create artwork for sale or display.

There's a field of AI imagery that creates photorealistic images. You can use this to create an AI image of yourself doing something you love or a striking portrait of your spouse, children or grandchildren.

How Are AI Images Created?

AI image applications are based on what's known as generative AI models. These are exceptionally large computer programs trained using hundreds of thousands of parameters and enormous data sets from books, the web and other sources. To use an AI image generator, you create a suitable text prompt, such as "Create a pink rose against a mountain background." By fine-tuning these prompts, seniors can use AI image creator software to draw amazing images. Enjoy using these tools to create your own visual art projects, especially if you're a senior who wants an artistic outlet without any messy equipment such as paint and brushes.

Examples of AI Image Generators

Examples of generative AI applications for imagery include Stable Diffusion, DALL-E2, Canva and Adobe Firefly. Most have free public tools, so you can try them out to generate images. One point worth noting is that it’s sometimes difficult to create the exact picture you want, and you may need to modify your prompts several times. To help, some AI tools create alternatives so users can select the one that best meets their needs.

Another type of AI image generator is one that works as a photo editor. The primary purpose of AI photo editors is to streamline image editing. You can use these tools to manipulate your photos to achieve dramatic, stunning visual effects. Another feature seniors may find interesting is the ability to create family collages from individual photos. Using insertion tools, you can arrange loved ones into a single photo and change the background to one that reminds you of a special place or time in your life.

Are AI Images Dangerous?

Like anything else, when used for nefarious purposes, AI images could be dangerous. In almost all instances, these images are based on real photos altered to create a false impression. Unscrupulous journalists or politicians, unfriendly nations and terrorist groups use what's called deepfake images to spread false narratives. They’re also used to embarrass and ridicule high-profile leaders and celebrities.

It's not only images that AI can fake. Skilled users also use AI to manipulate video clips to spread false concepts and cause unrest by making someone seem to be saying something they really didn't say. Seniors should be aware of this form of image manipulation, especially if you suspect the originator is using the image to promote or convey an extreme message or point of view.

Ethical Applications for AI Images

While the examples above are concerning, there are many examples of the ethical use of AI images. In the workplace, AI image applications help graphic designers perform their work more cost-effectively. Advertising companies use AI image generation to create visuals to promote products, entertainers use this technology to create filmstrips and game designers use it to create more realistic games.

How to Tell If an Image Is AI-Generated

Although technology is improving, there are still many ways you can tell if an image or video is AI-generated. These include:

• Facial expressions: Look for an unnatural expression or lack of emotion, as well as poor skin tones, overly smooth skin and unnatural wrinkles.
• Body posture: AI mainly focuses on the person's head, and this often results in an unnatural body posture.
• Fine details: Look at minute details like fingers, clothing patterns, hair and facial features as these are frequently poorly represented.

Perhaps the easiest way to decide whether an image is real or manipulated is to ask yourself if the image is a realistic depiction of the truth. This is particularly useful for images depicting natural and man-made events. In almost all cases, you can detect inconsistencies in the image that come from the manipulation process.

Aside from these concerns, there are many reasons for you, as a senior, to embrace working with AI images. For a start, it’s so easy to do. All you need is access to a free platform or, as you advance, to take out a subscription to a more advanced platform. You can have enormous fun creating dramatic or inspiring images on your phone or computer. Use the artwork you create as gifts, or have your favorite ones printed and hang them in your apartment.

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