Why AI-generated headshots can backfire

by EMILY VOLZ, NBC 10 NEWS

You’ve probably seen them on LinkedIn recently – perfectly polished headshots that look a little too good to be true.

It’s easy to understand the appeal of AI-generated headshots.

They can remove all imperfections, they’re convenient, and they’re a lot cheaper than hiring a photographer.

But experts warn using one could come at a greater cost.

“There were – I guess it was three columns,” said headshot photographer Chris Gillett, recalling a recent testimonial he was reading. “Every person’s picture was a fake picture – because I think we’re starting to get a feel for what they do, there’s a look to them – and it made me think, ‘Okay, I wonder if these testimonials are 100% fake,’ because I’m not sure this is a real person.”

He continued, “If I’m going to take that kind of a shortcut, where else am I taking shortcuts? It just makes you seem like a low effort person.”

Gillett said he understands the appeal of AI-generated headshots, especially for people who are on a tight budget.

He said if you’re going to use AI, don’t go overboard – no dramatic backgrounds and no impossibly perfect smiles.

“For some people, maybe it is a good solution,” said Gillett. “Maybe a single mom who never needed one and then gets a bump up at work and needs one all of a sudden.”

Gillett also says there’s also difference between touching up a photo and blurring a few blemishes versus creating a computer generated image of yourself.

The Wall Street Journal has also reported that some AI headshot generators often get it wrong for people of color – either by lightening their skin or distorting their features.

What do you think?

1 Comment
December 8, 2022

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