The real cost of free AI-Image generators

DW (English)

The latest generative AI models let you create wild images and videos — even with your own face. But there’s reason for concern. Here’s why.

Transcript

00:00Many think generating images and videos with AI apps like Sora 2 or Nano Banana is super

00:05fun.

00:06And best of all, it's free.

00:08Well, not really.

00:09OpenAI, the company behind Sora 2 and ChatGPT, just announced it's building custom chips

00:15and infrastructure to power its AI models.

00:17These systems can consume up to 10 GW of electricity, about the same as 10 nuclear power plants.

00:23But it's not just the environment paying the price, you, the individual user, are paying

00:28too.

00:29If you're not paying for the product, then you are the product.

00:33Ever heard that phrase?

00:35It certainly applies to so-called free generative AI.

00:38When Sora launched in early 2024, it could exclusively be used by ChatGPT subscribers.

00:43Sora 2, now a standalone app, is free, but only available in the US and Canada for now.

00:49It's a hit.

00:50It got over 1 million downloads in just 5 days.

00:53It reached that milestone faster than ChatGPT.

00:55As OpenAI prioritizes getting more users over revenue, each video you create helps Sora get

01:01smarter.

01:02Like the video, Sora remembers what worked.

01:04Didn't like it?

01:05Your feedback helps Sora learn even more.

01:07Millions are training AI for free.

01:09This is the case for almost all user AI applications.

01:12But image and video generators have a unique edge in a way that tap into our imagination.

01:18Let me explain.

01:19The latest tools let you create images and videos of yourself.

01:22Google's Nano Banana lets you turn your selfies into retro portraits or fantasy scenes.

01:27Sora offers a cameo feature.

01:30You record yourself and then change to the video however you like.

01:33Want to see yourself surfing?

01:35You can.

01:36But be aware that info could be valuable to surf gear brands or travel agencies.

01:41And the platform you use might sell that data so it can be used for targeted ads.

01:46Sounds far-fetched?

01:47Well, Meta just announced it will use AI chat conversations to personalize ads across Facebook,

01:53Instagram and WhatsApp starting December.

01:55OpenAI is not placing ads in ChatGPT that might destroy users' trust.

02:00But in an app for AI videos, it's much more likely.

02:03Fact is, your data is gold to AI companies.

02:07You are very valuable to AI companies.

02:10And they don't want you to leave.

02:12Ever.

02:12That's why so many companies are building similar tools.

02:15ChatGPT includes image generation.

02:17Google Gemini's Nano Banana is booming.

02:20Meta has a full suite of AI creation tools.

02:23And Microsoft just announced MyImageOne, its first in-house image generator.

02:28Just like social media, the more time you spend with these tools, the more they learn about you.

02:33And the more they know, the more the developers can charge if they want to sell info about you.

02:38Okay, so what do we get out of it?

02:41AI companies use very flashy slogans to promote their services.

02:45And yes, these AI models are impressive.

02:48They evolve fast.

02:49The stuff that makes it into our feeds is more like this, though.

02:52Or this, the homeless man trend is a viral prank.

02:56People use AI to create realistic images of a homeless stranger inside their house,

03:00then send them to family members to cause panic.

03:03I think that's dehumanizing homelessness, making fun of a serious problem.

03:07Is this the kind of creativity we need to unlock?

03:10What do you think?

03:10And which AI tools have you tried out so far?

03:13Let us know in the comments.

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