AI, Memories, and the Meaning of "Real"
What Does "Real" Even Mean?
As technology continues to evolve, so does our understanding of what is "real." For some, a photograph is only real if it comes straight from a camera, untouched and unedited. But for others, reality isn’t just about pixels—it’s about emotions, memories, and the connections we hold onto.
Recently, I shared some AI-generated images of my late dog, a beloved companion who had been with me for 12 years. I didn’t expect anything other than to share a few lovely memories with fellow dog lovers. Instead, I was met with hostility—accusations that the photos were fake, comments dismissing them as AI-generated, and even an outright ban from the community.
But here’s the thing: the “real” you talk about is something many people will never have again in their lifetime. AI can help bring back beautiful memories, and for some of us, that’s priceless.
The Power of AI in Preserving What We’ve Lost
Life moves forward, whether we’re ready or not. Loved ones pass away. Pets, our most loyal companions, leave us behind. Sometimes, all we have left are memories—photos that fade, videos that grow grainy, and recollections that become harder to hold onto with time.
AI offers something remarkable: the ability to recreate moments we thought were lost forever. Whether it’s generating a picture in the style of an old photo, restoring a damaged image, or creating a new vision of someone we love, AI can be a bridge between the past and the present.
Some may argue that these images are "fake," but what makes a memory real? Is it the physical photograph, or the feeling it evokes? For those who have lost someone dear, AI isn’t just about pixels—it’s about connection. Seeing a loved one’s face again, even through an AI-generated image, can bring comfort and joy. And for many, that’s more than enough.
If It’s Not for You, Just Move On
Not everyone will understand this. Some people hold a rigid definition of what’s “authentic,” and that’s fine. But what isn’t fine is the unnecessary negativity, the accusations, and the outright hostility toward something that isn’t harming anyone.
If you don’t like AI-generated images, that’s perfectly okay. Just scroll past. Not everything needs to be met with criticism, and not everything shared online is meant to deceive. Many of us aren’t looking for approval—we’re just sharing something meaningful to us.
Real Is What It Means to You
At the end of the day, reality isn’t just about how an image was made—it’s about what it represents. A photo might be AI-generated, but the emotions behind it are genuine. And for those of us who use AI to bring back pieces of our past, those memories are priceless.
Technology will continue to reshape how we preserve and interact with our memories. Whether we embrace it or not, the most important thing is to respect that people find comfort in different ways. If something doesn’t resonate with you, that’s okay—just move on. Let others find joy in the ways that matter to them.
Because in the end, what’s real isn’t just about pixels. It’s about love, loss, and the memories we hold close.