TikTok’s AI Manga filter is used to generate an anime-styled portrait, but users are noticing that its creations aren’t always very accurate or PG friendly.
By now most people have seen text-to-picture AI programs that turn a simple sentence into an image. There’s even AI that can turn text into a video now, be it with some odd results. TikTok’s AI Manga filter works in a somewhat similar way, using images from the internet to help in generating these newly created pieces of art or portrait variants.
In theory, it all sounds great. You get to see what you could look like as a character from a Manga within seconds. However, while some of the results turn out pretty good, others are showing their clear connection to social biases and stigmas found on the internet.
As reported by Polygon, a TikTok trend has formed which sees users gathering household objects such as mugs, toilet paper, and even waffles to create anime boobs and abs. Yes, you did just read that right. The trend is connected to the ‘Yoasobi’ audio clip which currently has 8.7 videos dedicated to it. Some of the results are laughable but also slightly ridiculous, with toilet paper transforming into a very generous cup size.
AI art generation issues
While the trend is harmless it does put into focus some of the issues we are seeing with AI art. The Lensa app which recently flooded the internet has created some great looking portraits, but it also has its issues. Similar to the TikTok trend, women are finding their art generations to be overly sexualised. There are also issues when it comes to representing people of colour. The AI seems to struggle to represent varied ethnicities and body types. Many users are also claiming that the AI art made them appear thinner or curvier than they truly are.
While AI advancements are interesting and something we will continue to see develop in the future. It appears there’s still quite a way to go in terms of representation and the issue of exploitative creations.
Paige Cook is a writer with a multi-media background. She has experience covering video games and technology and also has freelance experience in video editing, graphic design, and photography. Paige is a massive fan of the movie industry and loves a good TV show, if she is not watching something interesting then she's probably playing video games or buried in a good book. Her latest addiction is virtual photography and currently spends far too much time taking pretty pictures in games rather than actually finishing them.
