Hi guys,

In addition to the use of deep fakes tricking politicians into having video calls with computer-animated images and voice cloning being used to trick loved ones into transferring money thinking they are speaking to their daughter or son in trouble, and voice clones accessing voice-activated bank accounts, we are now seeing the next misuse of artificial intelligence in the food industry.

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly sophisticated, and its applications are now extending into unexpected areas, such as the food delivery industry. One of the latest trends is the use of AI-generated images in food delivery apps, which can be misleading and potentially deceptive for consumers. Here’s how to spot these AI-generated images and why it’s important to be aware of this practice.

What Are AI-Generated Food Images?

AI-generated food images are created using artificial intelligence technologies that can produce highly realistic pictures of dishes that do not actually exist. These images are often used by restaurants on food delivery apps to make their offerings look more appealing. However, they can create unrealistic expectations and may not accurately represent the food you will receive.

How to Spot AI-Generated Food Images

  1. Unnatural Perfection: AI-generated images tend to be overly perfect, with flawless lighting, colors, and composition. Real food, even when professionally photographed, will usually have small imperfections.
  2. Repetitive Elements: If you notice that multiple dishes have strikingly similar elements, such as identical garnishes or background settings, they might be AI-generated.
  3. Too Good to Be True: If the food looks too perfect or too good to be true, it probably is. Real food often looks less polished.
  4. Inconsistent Details: Look for inconsistencies in textures, lighting, or proportions that might indicate the image was artificially created.

Why It’s Important

Understanding the presence of AI-generated images is crucial for making informed decisions about your food orders. Misleading images can lead to disappointment and erode trust in food delivery platforms.

What You Can Do

  • Check Reviews: Read customer reviews to get a realistic idea of the food quality.
  • Compare with Real Photos: Look for customer-uploaded photos of the food to compare with the advertised images.
  • Be Skeptical: Use a critical eye when evaluating food images that seem overly perfect.

For more details on this topic and how to protect yourself, check out the full article on MakeUseOf.

Stay vigilant and enjoy your meals safely!

All the best, Stephen McCormack