As '80s AI trend goes viral, experts warn of privacy, environmental risks

Have you ever wondered what you would look like in the 1980s?

From celebrities to everyday social media users, many are joining the latest online craze: using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform their photos into retro-inspired images that capture the look and feel of the ’80s.

The trend allows users to upload a photo and give an AI tool a prompt to transform their appearance into a retro-inspired look.

AI-generated images can recreate the aesthetics of the decade within seconds, from clothing and hairstyles to the background.

The 80s photo trend follows other AI-generated image crazes that previously went viral, including caricatures and images inspired by Studio Ghibli films.

While the results may be entertaining, experts have warned users about potential risks associated with AI photo trends.

Privacy concerns

One of the concerns raised by experts is the personal information that users provide when they upload photos to AI tools.

Photos and other personal details submitted to AI platforms may be collected and analyzed, and depending on the service's policies and settings, may be used in connection with improving or developing AI systems.

Experts warned that sharing personal information, including photographs, with AI tools could expose users to risks such as identity theft.

AI-generated images posted online may also be copied, reposted, or used in contexts that were not intended by the original creator.

Because of this, experts advised users to think carefully about the type of personal information they share with AI platforms.

Environmental concerns

AI-generated images also have an environmental cost.

According to the United Nations University, the energy required to generate a single AI image is enough to power a 10-watt LED light bulb for around 17 minutes.

Each AI-generated image also requires about 29 milliliters of water, or nearly two tablespoons.

While the resources consumed by one image may seem minimal, the impact can become significant when millions of users generate images as part of viral online trends.

AI 'superintelligence'

Beyond AI-generated images, experts have also raised concerns about the long-term risks of increasingly powerful AI systems.

Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon recently warned about the potential dangers associated with the development of AI. Anthropic is the company behind AI assistant Claude.

According to Coxon, human lives could potentially be put at risk if AI companies fail to develop increasingly powerful systems responsibly.

One concern is the possibility of AI reaching "superintelligence," a stage in which AI systems become more capable than humans across a broad range of intellectual tasks.

Anthropic researcher Evan Hubinger has also discussed concerns about ensuring that future AI systems remain aligned with the intentions of their creators as they become more capable.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway in the United States to establish federal regulations governing the development and operations of AI.

For users, experts said the best approach is to remain critical of online trends and be mindful of what personal information they share with AI tools.

While joining AI photo trends may provide a few moments of fun, experts stressed that users should also consider their potential long-term implications for privacy, security, and safety.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News