Filters and Photoshop having to make way, artificial intelligence is heading up the trend for crafting online profile pictures.
During the summer, a TikTok video gained a lot of attention. It was tagged with the words "utilizing this trend for a new LinkedIn profile photograph".
The video featuring a young woman demonstrating the transformation of her look from real life to a more professional-looking headshot with the help of the AI-powered app Remini has achieved massive viewership with over 52.3 million views. Additionally, similar videos from other TikTokers have been widely seen.
Remini, alongside competitive apps such as Try It On AI and AI Suit Up, utilizes AI-based technology to produce well- polished profile photos that create the illusion of being taken by a professional photographer.
For Remini, you will need to submit between eight and 10 selfies of yourself, taken from a variety of perspectives and in sufficient lighting. These images are then used by the artificial intelligence program to create an understanding of your facial features.
In just a few minutes, the program will generate artificial images of you looking stylish and attractive, with varying hair and clothing, and posed in optimal lighting.
It grants you immaculate skin, and ensures your make-up looks perfect. You also get multiple backgrounds to choose from. Some users even claim it can make them appear slimmer.
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The interpretation of the results is subject to varying opinions - some deem them accurate, while others think the images appear synthetic.
While past trends of manipulating images online, like adjusting hair or eye color, were intended to be enjoyable on social media, this one specifically targets LinkedIn and other job search sites.
The affordability of AI services is a draw for some.
Divya Shishodia, a 24-year-old digital marketer from Australia, claims that though AI-generated headshots may be apparent, some folks may not be able to afford the cost of a professional headshot.
Visiting an experienced photographer can be more expensive than £100 but, usually, Remini and other vendors offer no-charge tests lasting a few days.
"Despite the fact that they may not be the most lifelike pictures, the balance between the effort and the output makes it worth it," claims Ms Shishodia. She continues by arguing that if one were to attempt to take a decent profile photo on their own, it would be very tough.
In order to get a perfect shot, you need to consider angles and lighting, taking care to avoid any shadows. Only professional photographers can do this properly.
For Michelle Genobisa, who is 26 years old and from Aalborg, Denmark, she is content with the fact that AI generated profile photos come at a minimal expense (or no cost at all).
She explains that altering her looks regularly gives her the opportunity to obtain images similar to those captured in a professional photoshoot without incurring the expensive cost.
Molly McCrann, a 25-year-old actor from Australia, does not find the technology particularly impressive. "It appears so artificial - you can easily spot the heavy editing or AI behind it," she opines.
When I uploaded my photo, it made me appear thinner than I actually am.
Ms McCrann suggests it would be preferable to present potential employers with a representation of your actual physical appearance.
Despite this, she is also prepared to consider the opposing viewpoint. "I saw a comment that I found reasonable - if this business is utilizing physical looks to make decisions, then I want to be given the chance to be invited. Utilizing AI headshots can be a way for me to secure the interview."
Consumer psychologist Dr. Paul Marsden notes that the potential ramifications of AI-enhanced images on one's self-esteem have two facets..
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There is a divergence of opinion among users regarding profile pictures generated by AI.
He tells the BBC that, on one hand, this could let us show the ideal version of ourselves to the world and potentially spur us to live up to that image in the real world.
The psychology of first impressions involves forming quick judgments based on initial encounters, and with the help of AI, people can potentially give themselves an opportunity to be considered. On the flip side, this could also harm an individual's self-esteem and confidence when they feel that they are not as good as the AI counterparts.
Tristan Barthel, from London-based Tate Recruitment, has observed a sharp increase in the utilization of AI to modify photos by job applicants.
He asserted that it has no impact on his approach to processing a person's application. "I'm capable of recognizing if an image has been generated by AI, but that would have no effect on my verdict; it all comes down to the qualifications."
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