The world of social media is rapidly changing, and Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, is sounding the alarm. In a recent post, Mosseri warned that camera companies are betting on the wrong aesthetic, and that the polished, perfected look of photos is dead.
## The Rise of AI-Generated Content
With AI-generated content on the rise, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake. Mosseri noted that AI is capable of creating photographs and videos that are indistinguishable from captured media. While some argue that there’s a lot of amazing AI content out there, Mosseri is concerned about the impact it’s having on our perception of reality.
## The Problem with Perfectly Polished Photos
Mosseri believes that the polished, perfected look of photos is dead, and that people are no longer sharing personal moments to feed. Instead, they’re sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives through stories, and even DMs. But camera companies are still competing to make everyone look like a professional photographer from the past. They’re focusing on megapixels and image processing, rather than creating content that feels real.
## The Shift to a Raw Aesthetic
As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, Mosseri predicts that people will start to crave a more raw aesthetic. Savvy creators will lean into explicitly unproduced and unflattering images of themselves, as a way of saying that the content is real because it’s imperfect. This shift towards a raw aesthetic is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about proof. In a world where everything can be perfected, imperfection becomes a signal.
## The Future of Social Media
But what does the future hold for social media? Mosseri believes that social media platforms will come under increasing pressure to identify and label AI-generated content as such. He suggests that fingerprinting real media could be a solution, and that camera manufacturers could cryptographically sign images at capture, creating a chain of custody. Only time will tell if these solutions will be effective, but one thing is certain: the world of social media is changing, and we need to adapt.
As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that the way we consume and interact with social media is evolving. What we consider ‘real’ and ‘perfect’ is changing, and it’s up to us to stay ahead of the curve. By embracing a more raw aesthetic and being mindful of the content we share, we can create a more authentic online experience. The future of social media is uncertain, but one thing is clear: it’s going to be a wild ride.
