Legitimate artists looking for a respite from all the AI-generated artwork flooding the internet may want to check out a new social network designed just for them.
Expensive is a portfolio and social media platform where artists can display and discuss their work. But unlike many other image galleries on the web, this one specifically prohibits AI-generated art. That makes it a safer haven for artists and others who want to enjoy original art created by real human beings.
Also: You should reconsider using AI-generated images if you’re in the business of building trust.
In your websiteCara explains her purpose and mission:
With the widespread use of generative AI, we decided to create a place that filters generative AI images so that people who want to find authentic creatives and artwork can do so easily. The future of the creative industries requires nuanced understanding and support to help artists and businesses connect and work together. We want to bridge the gap and build a platform that we ourselves enjoy using as creatives.
With the rumor around AI, more and more companies are developing their own generative AI products and services and collecting user data to train them. One of the main culprits in this initiative is Meta, which now uses public posts and images on its Facebook and Instagram networks to train its AI chatbot. This has raised concerns among artists who have traditionally displayed and promoted their work on Instagram. Other platforms have also been implicated in the unauthorized use of AI work.
“My art is who I am,” Cara founder and photographer Jingna Zhang wrote on an Instagram post. “It’s dehumanizing to have it fed into a machine where my background, my story and why I believe lose all meaning,” Zhang added, referring to the way his work has been used (or misused) by the image site of AI. Halfway through the trip.
“People don’t want their stuff taken against their will. What does it take to see creatives as people who also deserve respect and protection for what we do and call ours?” Zhang wrote.
While not ruling out hosting AI-generated wallets forever, Cara notes that their current use is unethical. If regulations are passed that protect artists, the company said it believes AI-generated content should always be clearly labeled as such. At this point, only users in Europe protected by GDPR can opt out of receiving AI training from companies like Meta.
Also: The best AI image generators to try right now
Artists looking for platforms to share their work without fear of being stolen by AI have flocked to Cara, as evidenced by the site’s growth. Over the past week, the number of users on the platform increased from 40,000 to 650,000. according to TechCrunch. At first glance, that sounds great. But since it’s still in beta mode, Cara is experiencing growing pains and the flood of new users has been a challenge.
Available for free as website and a mobile application for iOS and AndroidCara works like many other social networks, except this one is designed for artists. You can display your artwork via a timeline or gallery, discover other people’s art, post updates to your feed, network with other artists, and look for work in art studios.
You sign up for Cara through the site or app. The registration process is quick and easy. Once you’re in, you can scroll through the timeline looking for artists and artwork to follow. You can then write and submit your own posts accompanied by any of your artwork that you want to share. He FAQ Page explains how to get started with Cara and how to fully use it.