The Vergecast The swaggy AI Pope and Apple headset rumors
6 snips
Mar 31, 2023 The discussion kicks off with a humorous look at the AI-generated 'Swag Pope,' raising questions about society and technology. It dives into the challenges of misinformation as AI image generation evolves. Anticipation builds around Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset, reflecting speculation on its potential impact. The conversation also highlights Disney's corporate maneuvers amid political challenges and the shifting dynamics in social media, with Twitter's struggles and the rise of alternatives like Mastodon.
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The Swagged-Out Pope
- AI-generated images of the Pope in a stylish puffer coat went viral.
- These images, created with Midjourney, were surprisingly realistic, sparking discussions about AI's potential impact.
Disinformation and Stakes
- People readily accepted the AI-generated Pope image due to low stakes and the Pope's existing image.
- The lack of real-world consequences made it less scrutinized than AI-generated images of Trump's arrest.
Lower Stakes Targets
- Disinformation poses a significant threat when targeting individuals with less online scrutiny, like school board members.
- Unlike celebrities or major political figures, these individuals lack the immediate, widespread attention that triggers verification.
