A recent study conducted by American technology giant Google, in collaboration with Scandinavian publishing house Bonnier News, has revealed that AI-generated images are now more popular than real photographs. The research underscores a significant shift in user engagement with visual content, highlighting the growing appeal of AI-generated imagery.
The study utilised an AI-powered application called “Bonnz AI,” developed jointly by Google and Bonnier News. Findings showed that images produced by the AI tool received significantly higher view rates compared to authentic photographs. In a joint statement, Google and Bonnier News noted, “In many cases, AI-generated images achieved an astonishing improvement of up to 100% in click-through rates when compared to real images.”
The rapid adoption of AI in the news industry has been accelerating, with nearly half of newsrooms incorporating AI-driven tools such as chatbots by mid-2023, according to a survey by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).
This trend raises concerns about the potential impact on professional and amateur photographers, as the increasing reliance on AI-generated visuals by media organisations and publishing houses may diminish the demand for traditional photography.
