Bengaluru, 30th September
2024 – In a
rapidly evolving world where generational identities are shaped by culture and
technology, new research has explored how generative AI models perceive Baby
Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. While these images may reflect some
global stereotypes, there are also a few surprises along the way.
A
joint research project conducted by AIport and Turing Post
last month analyzed over 1200 AI-generated images across four different
models—Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, YandexART, and ERNIE-ViLG. The findings revealed that, while some stereotypes
persist, the AI-generated images for each generation have offered fascinating
insights that are both relatable to an Indian audience and globally
significant.
Boomers: A Reflection of Melancholy?
Traditionally,
Boomers have been associated with conservative values and nostalgia for simpler
times. This often translates into depictions of introspective and even
melancholic individuals in AI-generated images. Midjourney, for instance,
portrays Boomers as somber and reflective, with nearly 80% of its generated
images showing Boomers looking pensive, bundled up, and wistfully gazing into
the distance. This unexpected representation contrasts with the image of a
content, retired generation.
Interestingly,
the ERNIE-ViLG model, likely influenced by different cultural datasets,
presented a more positive take, with over 90% of Boomers appearing to be
smiling. This stark difference highlights how AI training datasets influence
how generational identities are constructed visually.
Zoomers and Millennials: Diverse and
Expressive
When it comes to Gen Z and Millennials, the AI models presented
these generations as more colorful, diverse, and expressive. Zoomers, known for
embracing individuality and inclusivity, were shown in dynamic, highly detailed
scenarios emphasizing cultural diversity. This aligns with India’s younger generation,
which is globally connected and values representation and identity.
While the typical stereotypes of job-hopping Millennials or
avocado toast enthusiasts might not fully apply to Indian Millennials, the
research shows a wider acceptance of diversity and fluidity across all the AI
models. This points to an interesting convergence of cultural identity, where
Indian Millennials and Gen Z are part of a larger, global narrative.
Beer as a Surprising
Common Thread
One of the most unexpected insights from the study is the
consistent presence of beer across all generations. Despite cultural
differences and lifestyle variations, AI models generated images showing beer
as a common element for Boomers, Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z. This shared
depiction suggests that some habits transcend both age and cultural boundaries,
even if they don’t fully align with Indian consumption patterns.
Prompt Engineering and AI’s Societal
Reflection
Neutral
prompts like “a Millennial at work” or “a Boomer relaxing” were used to avoid
introducing bias in the AI models. The resulting images give us a glimpse into
how generative AI mirrors societal expectations—often shaped by the datasets
and cultural nuances the models have been trained on. The stark contrasts in portrayals,
such as the differences in Boomers’ expressions, reflect how AI is influenced
by regional and cultural data.
“These
images offer a new lens through which to explore how AI interprets generational
identity,” says Hon. Lisa Sparks, Ph.D., Founding Dean, School of
Communication, McGaw Endowed Professor in Behavioral Sciences, Chapman
University. “For an Indian audience, this opens up discussions about how global
AI models understand cultural identity and the extent to which their
interpretations reflect our values or biases.”
About the Study
The
study examined the outputs of four globally recognized generative AI models,
each with distinct aesthetic and cultural nuances, providing a comprehensive
look at how each generation is portrayed visually. The selected models included
Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, YandexART, and ERNIE-ViLG, offering diverse
perspectives from different regions across the globe.
Conclusion
AI-generated
images provide a fascinating window into how technology interprets generational
differences, both globally and locally. While familiar stereotypes emerge, such
as reflective Boomers and vibrant Zoomers, there is also a shared fondness for
beer—a surprising insight into the cross-generational connection in AI’s visual
representation of the world.
To
learn more about the project, visit https://www.aigenerations.tech/.