ECO PRO continued
Guynup extend that imperative. Guerrero-Casado and colleagues broaden it further: the problem is not merely fake images, but how they exploit social media dynamics, anthropomorphism, and disconnection from nature, distorting knowledge, attention, tourism patterns, and even the data streams conservation relies on. For our dive industry, the response cannot be to deceive or to retreat from imagery. It is to embrace our role as frontline witnesses: to document honestly, label transparently, teach media literacy, and market responsibly. We are entering a time when the question ‘Is this real?’ will be asked about every compelling marine image we publish. If we do our jobs well now, by using authenticity cues, including ‘bad pictures’ in conservation storytelling, and educating our audiences about AI, then our answer can be: Yes, and here’s why it matters. In a world of synthetic oceans, the real sea, and genuine photographs of it, need more professional advocates than ever before. __________ POINT/COUNTERPOINT by Marty Snyderman A FEW MONTHS AGO, Alex Brylske asked my opinion about how AI is used in photography and if I would be willing to share my thoughts about the accompanying article. I knew then that I was of several minds, but because Alex is Alex, I promised him I would give it a go. So, over the past few months I have tried to solidify my thoughts. That said, I remain conflicted. Alex’s piece specifically deals with how AI is used in the field of conservation. I understand that along with Alex, some conservationists want all photographers and publishers to clearly and honestly say whether AI was used to make or enhance their images so that pictures from the field are accurate and real. I think the intention is noble. In a perfect idealistic world that might happen, but my opinion is that for a variety of reasons a significant percentage of image makers won’t comply. Some won’t be aware – at least not yet, some won’t care, some won’t want to take the time, some will fail to label their images in a way that shows if AI was used, as time passes some people will forget whether AI was used or not, etc. In some respects, it is analogous to having laws regarding safe driving and therefore assume, no one will speed, roll through stop signs, or drive under the influence, and everyone will always use their seatbelt. Another factor is the issue of “where do you draw the line?” This question is not new. Some people seem to think that if you make a photograph using film that it is pure. However, the type of film used greatly influences the colors in a photograph. My
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