The AI image generator MidJourney has recently gained significant attention with its exceptionally realistic deepfake creations. With the release of version 5.1, the algorithm has become even more powerful, allowing beginners to easily create stunning art with minimal effort. However, the increased ease of creating deepfakes using MidJourney has sparked conversations about the ethics surrounding AI generators.
A prime example of ethical concerns arose when deepfake images of Pope Francis wearing a white puffer coat went viral. In response, MidJourney took action by banning the use of the word “pope.” Despite this, creating deepfakes of other prominent individuals such as President Joe Biden remains permitted.
MidJourney’s popularity has skyrocketed due to its ability to create high-quality deepfakes using photos as references. The platform’s new update promises improvements in how the algorithm interprets user prompts, resulting in greater coherence, sharper results, and fewer unwanted artifacts. The latest version also trains the model to be more “opinionated,” giving it creative freedom when interpreting user inputs.
The most popular AI image model, MidJourney surpasses competitors like Dall-e and Stable Diffusion. A comparison of image outputs for simple prompts like “Bitcoin Wallet” demonstrates the improvements between versions 5.1 and 5.0. Interestingly, the new update introduces a RAW mode for expert users who desire more creative control.
While MidJourney’s growing capabilities push the envelope in the realm of AI-generated art, its widespread use and easy access raise concerns about the ethical implications and potential misuse of this powerful technology. Advanced versions of the tool may bring us increasingly realistic deepfakes, but will also likely intensify the ongoing debate over the ethical boundaries and regulation of such innovations.
Though the MidJourney team hints at a possible version 5.2 in the future, the key question remains: As AI image generators continue to improve, how will users, companies, and regulators balance the benefits of enhanced creative possibilities with the potential dangers that come with increasingly undetectable deepfakes? The future will likely demand a careful and responsible approach to harnessing this technology’s growing capabilities.
In conclusion, MidJourney’s version 5.1 has brought remarkable improvements to its AI-generated art creations. As the technology becomes more efficient and accessible, ethical concerns regarding the potential misuse of deepfakes continue to emerge. Striking the right balance between creative possibilities and potential risks will remain a critical aspect of navigating the ever-evolving world of AI image generators.
Source: Decrypt
