Facebook has been flooded with thousands of bizarre images of Jesus Christ generated by artificial intelligence, accompanied by texts that are often offensive. Some of these images have become viral and attracted large audiences for pages that then monetize or scam users. Researchers have noted the popularity of these AI-generated images on social media platforms, with many users interacting with them, potentially including bots.

An academic study conducted on these images found that many Facebook pages with over 50 such images each had an average of almost 130,000 followers. The authors of the study believe that Facebook’s algorithm plays a significant role in promoting these images and driving engagement. However, the underlying issue is how these AI-generated images blur the line between real art and deception, potentially making it easier for scammers to target unsuspecting individuals. Scam accounts may interact with gullible users, offering financial assistance or selling fake products.

The authors also highlight how these pages may change their names or tactics to extract benefits from their followers. While Facebook has not yet labeled AI-generated content, there is an ongoing debate about the potential dangers of these images and their impact on users. The authors suggest that it may be challenging for the average user to distinguish between AI-generated and real content, especially with the increasing use of recommendation algorithms. As these images continue to dominate social media platforms, users need to remain vigilant and question the authenticity of what they see online.

In conclusion, while AI-generated images have become popular on social media platforms like Facebook, they raise important questions about how technology is changing our perceptions of reality and ethics. As we continue to rely more heavily on algorithms to curate our online experiences, it’s crucial to be aware of their limitations and potential dangers.