“Everyone Just Dey Use AI Pictures Deceive Themselves”… Nigerian Cry Out On How AI-Altered Pictures Have Turned Social Media Upside Down

Nigerians are voicing their concerns over the prevalent use of AI-altered pictures on social media.

A lot of people are talking about how these digitally enhanced images have transformed our online landscape, with some humorously referring to it as “Everyone just dey use AI pictures deceive themselves.”

This trend has sparked conversations about the impact of filtered images on self-esteem, trust, and authenticity in the digital age.

With artificial intelligence (AI), we now have tools at our disposal that can instantly enhance our appearance in photos, masking our natural imperfections and creating a more polished version of ourselves.

While this might seem harmless or even fun, the practice of using AI-altered pictures comes with a set of negative consequences that affect not only our self-esteem but also our relationships with others.

The Rise of AI-Altered Pictures

AI technology has given birth to an era where anyone with a smartphone can become their own digital retoucher. Apps and filters allow users to smooth out wrinkles, whiten teeth, enlarge eyes, and even alter their body proportions with just a few taps. The result? Picture-perfect images that often bear little resemblance to reality. While these tools can be entertaining, they’ve also become a vehicle for deception.

Deception in the Age of AI

One of the most significant downsides of AI-altered pictures is the deception they breed. People now use these enhanced images to create an idealized version of themselves for social media and dating profiles. It’s not uncommon for someone to present a flawless image online while looking entirely different in real life. This deception goes beyond aesthetics; it undermines trust and authenticity in our relationships.

Impact on Self-Esteem

When we see these curated images all over our social media feeds, we can’t help but compare ourselves to them. This constant exposure to flawless, AI-enhanced beauty can severely dent our self-esteem. We start to question our own appearance, feeling inadequate in comparison to these digitally perfected counterparts. The pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards can lead to body image issues and, in some cases, mental health concerns.

Relationships on Shaky Ground

AI-altered pictures have also disrupted the dynamics of our relationships. From online friendships to dating, the prevalence of these pictures has made it difficult to know who we’re really connecting with. Trust is eroded when we suspect that someone might not be presenting their true selves. This mistrust can be especially detrimental in romantic relationships, where honesty and authenticity are paramount.

See what some Nigerians are saying about these on social media;