“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Wanna see something scary?

A post on X has been wandering the internetscapes recently, showcasing the power of AI on social media. Specifically how the older generations while scrolling on Facebook are met with AI-generated images, but don’t seem to notice that it’s actually AI. Actually, they don’t seem to notice even if it’s blatantly marked as such.

More Info: X

The rise of AI tech has definitely brought up some challenges for regular internet users due to its power of being so darned believable

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels (not the actual photo)

So much, in fact, that older generations seem to not even be noticing how their feeds are hijacked by AI, as pointed out by this AI investment partner

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

Justine Moore posted an X thread pointing out how elderly people seem to be not noticing the fact that they’re engaging with AI content

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

Recently, AI investment partner Justine Moore recently took to X (formerly Twitter, but you probably already know that by now) to show a bit of a mind-truck all things considered.

Her post thread includes AI-generated pictures that were posted on Facebook along with screencaps of the comment section. In said comment section, we see a bunch of elderly people praising how beautiful, stunning or cute the pictures are without seemingly understanding that all of these are AI-generated.

“Facebook has turned into an endless scroll of AI photos and the older gens don’t appear to have noticed,” noted Justine in her first post. This was followed by another post with a picture of an adorable dog and kid in ski attire going down a mountain where it was kinda obvious that it was AI-generated, yet the comment section was all the same—“adorable,” the comments said.

Heck, even adding an “AI” tag to the description didn’t help, because who needs to read these days, right?! In all seriousness, this does point to an issue worth tackling, and that is AI awareness and literacy.

The content doesn’t even have to make sense, actually, as long as it makes them happy

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

Heck, even a warning sign is not enough

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: venturetwins

Just think about it: not everything on the web is actually real. What makes you think folks won’t use AI to make fake things look more believable? That’s how scams work. That’s how hacking works. So, why not?

In fact, some of the comments under the thread pointed out that there is a high chance that the folks in the comment sections under each of these pictures might be bots themselves. The signs are definitely there—identical, short and vague responses, misspellings or grammatical issues, and the like.

But this doesn’t negate the fact that there is a non-zero chance of actual elderly folk being among those commenting and believing the content. Heck, you needn’t even comment—if you scroll across a picture and even think about it is enough for AI to have done its job.

And considering that people over the age of 65 are the least computer literate of all the age groups, it should be concerning. So, call your parents, let them know those pictures are fake.

The post itself went viral with 9.2M views, but it was also reshared on AI-focused media, too

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ChatGPT | Artificial Intelligence (@chatgptricks)

For those who need specifics, back in 2021, 61%, 45% and 44% of people over 65 owned a smartphone, used social media and owned a tablet computer respectively. 8% of them reported that they are almost constantly online. But compared to all other age groups, they are always last.

That same study, though, is shedding some positive light on the matter as the 2021 data actually shows that the percentage was the highest it’s ever been. From 2012 to 2021, smartphone ownership among sixty-fivers and up grew from 13 to 61% and the use of social media grew from 16 to 45%. So, more and more older folks are getting on board the computer train.

But that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily aware of the powers of AI. And considering their statistically inferior experience with computers in general, AI-focused education is a must. So, again, call your parents!

So, considering all that you’ve read, what are your thoughts on any of this? Is AI your friend or would you rather live in a world where it would never exist? Share your thoughts and takes in the comment section below!

A number of commenters pointed out that the elderly people commenting under the AI posts are also bots

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: mayakyler

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: findmyke

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: nearcyan

Still, it doesn’t take away from the fact that there’s always a non-zero chance of actual elderly people falling for it

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: jimmyandfam

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: amasad

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: TrungTPhan

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: Kmuray

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: NickSarafa

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: 070guy

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: alshlyapin

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: ADectis

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: Vojt33w

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: axeldesigns

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: cjhazard

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: backloggedgamr

“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

Image credits: King_Shunal

Poll Question

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Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

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I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

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What do you think ?

POST

KariAdoresHerKats 8 months ago

This article was awful. Boomers are stupid, can't tell the difference, look at their comments! And the comments were just lovely opinions of the picture the question of whether it's real or not didn't concern them they just enjoyed the image. I don't understand the boomer title i was born in the 70s so i don't know where that puts me but as far as i can tell people are getting ruder, more cruel, sneery and condescending. Can people not just enjoy stuff without being called out because they didn't know realise or understand its AI?

45points

SM 8 months ago

Yeah, what were they supposed post in their comments? "That is a terrible image because AI created it!" You got to wonder if those rude people go to an art museum and say, "That's not nature, it's a painting!" I much prefer some of the AI images to what people call art.

15points

Load More Replies...

Notme 8 months ago

If you were born in the ‘70s you’re Gen X (70-77) or Xennial (78-79).

5points

Lorraine 8 months ago

Not only that, most of the comments shown here were not "boomers". Everyone falls for AI on FB, it happens all the time.

3points

tuzdayschild 8 months ago

100% agreement

2points

Binky Melnik 8 months ago

The whole time I was reading it, I was wondering whether the same donkeys laughing at the comments do the same when people appreciate abstract art. I didn’t see a single commenter make a peep about how “real” any of these is; they simply appreciated photos of beautiful landscapes, funny babies, and massive homes. And that’s a s****y thing now, enjoying stuff? Every day I become gladder that it won’t be that long before I’m dead and away from this shitshow.

1point

Charles McChristy 8 months ago

You don't know what generation you are from?

1point

The Other Guest 8 months ago

"Boomer" is short for "baby boomer" and refers to the increase in birth rate in the years following WWII (1946-1964).

1point

Declan Callaghan 2 days ago

Its called 2024 Kari

0points

The Original Bruno 8 months ago

BP's world relies on people thinking that Boomers are just stupid.

0points

Loverboy 8 months ago

It's not just boomers, sometimes I legitimately can't tell the difference. And it's not just photos anymore, but actual videos. Scary.

23points

Valaun 8 months ago

I agree with Loverboy's post. I think most of us would believe these images at first, especially if we aren't really thinking about it. Photoshop did this exact same thing a couple of decades ago. In my view, I wouldn't believe anything at face value. But with images of pretty places, nice homes, or even the baby and dog, they are simple images with no ulterior motive so it is of no consequence whether they are real or not. If I'm planning visiting or doing a report, it's different. And if it's political or something of consequence my skepticism is high. Otherwise I'll take it as a throwaway and not think twice.

14points

Lorraine 8 months ago

The images are indeed harmless, the issue is how they are used. Most of these images are posted by profiles of self proclaimed "content creators" that rely on this content to amass a lot of reactions, comments and hence relevance on FB. A profile that has a high relevance and a good base of followers is an asset that is very attractive for scammers who nurture or buy these profiles to make them "respectable". Is a very common practice, it starts with the cute content and then asking for donations or "selling" fake merch follows. How many times I have seen scammers selling fake AI crocheted cats on FB, and people fall for it and give them their money because that cat is so cute.

1point

Load More Replies...

Mike Crow 8 months ago

I hate ai. I hate it because people have used it to pretend to be painters, ripped other authors work and have used it to make nude photos of women and girls for blackmail and other nefarious reasons.

5points

Any 8 months ago

And thats only the start. Don't get people who preach that Ai isn't concerning and we will not face any disturbances whatsoever. Yeah. No.

5points

Verena 8 months ago (edited)

And all generations after them can identify forgery without fail? 🤣 Guys, we do understand how AI works. We do understand that the picture is not real. But we just enjoy/not enjoy the picture as such, as a piece of art. It is not necessary to wildly scream "fake AI" in cases it does not matter. Stay calm and address misleading AI, and get upset if it matters. "People above 65 are the least computer literate"? Oh dear. These people not only invented the whole thing and developed it to be accesible for the general public, they grew up with it. If your first steps were on a 8088 or some years later on a green or orange screen Apple, then you (i.e. we) know exactly how these things work. And this is why we worry so much, because later generations expand this technology without completely understanding its potential.

4points

SM 8 months ago (edited)

People have been saying "seeing is believing" forever, but that has never been true. Humans aren't some cameras that records things perfectly, and there have always been ways that people have been tricked. The big difference with AI images it is going to be a lot easier to do, not that it was all that hard to fool a lot of people before.

4points

Jasmijn 8 months ago

Oh no, people are enjoying visually stunning pictures. How dare they. Stupid old people, enjoying the internet.

3points

Multa Nocte 8 months ago (edited)

From a Boomer - f**k you, Robertas Lisickis and Mindaugas Balčiauskas.

3points

David Paterson 8 months ago (edited)

Whereas people who aren't baby boomers award photograph prizes to photos that have had colour saturation turned up to the max, shadows artificially added, false colour, contrast enhanced, and are multilayered from multiple photographs at different times of day. I know one famous nature photograph where the sunlight is entering the picture from four different directions at once. AI pictures typically do not have all these screamingly false photo manipulations.

3points

Christos Arvanitis 8 months ago (edited)

ALL sorts of people are falling for AI generated stuff. Enough with the anti-generation nonsense BP.

2points

PSimms 8 months ago

This is an incredibly stupid article. As if younger people don't get duped by AI.

2points

EhCanadian 8 months ago

The real issues are: 1. Social Media has turned into an endless scroll of meaningless content (whether that content is AI or human generated, it's still meaningless). 2. So many people feel compelled to post replies that add nothing to the conversation. The one thing I miss about "traditional" is that it was curated. National Geographic only published the best or most impactful photos. The local newspaper only published letters-to-the-editor that had something to say. It was far from perfect, but if I chose a respected publication I was reasonably assured I'd get meaningful content. Online media doesn't have to be this way - as a Gen Xer, I was online in the early '90s and it had a much better signal-to-noise ratio. The problem really started when websites started using "algorithms" to create "recommendations" and "feeds". The algorithms seen attracted to fluff, fake news, and other lowest-common-denominator content. The one thing I wish services would use AI for is to curate content

1point

Anxious Aardvark 8 months ago

Looking at some of the pictures of people leaving the comments, it seems to be more than one generation posting comments. Agree the article was awful. Maybe it was done as an AI training project?

1point

Jill Bussey 8 months ago

So called elderly people may not notice whether the image is real or AI and if they do, they may just not be bothered. The images can be stunning, it doesn't matter.

1point

Mimi La Souris 8 months ago

the example with the house is poorly chosen, I know a villa on Lake Como that looks exactly like this

1point

Bob Redacted 21 hours ago

and for that house, as an architect. you disgust me. leave. you are not welcome here

0points

Bob Redacted 21 hours ago (edited)

i might be a tinkerer of things (including ai text generators) but the dog on the second example looks like a stuffed toy. it is suprisingly convincing untill you see stuff like the headless dog in the background

0points

Declan Callaghan 2 days ago

Some of the images don't even make sense, if your not sure if its AI or not, look at the peoples fingers, they could have 10 fingers or more! It is very bad because 80% of it is false advice or news, so next time look deeper before believing it it might just be fake.

0points

Martha Abel 5 months ago

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0points

C.O. Shea 8 months ago

Ok, Zoomers. Pfffttt... Karma dun't care about you. Just wait until you're old. Bwaahahahaaa!

0points

Joe Bloe 8 months ago

Let other people enjoy what they want, especially if it's harmless... Put aside your boomer hate, and just enjoy the moment!!

0points

Cat Dragon 8 months ago

The first picture of the "villa" has a pool where the water is ever so slightly raised and still square.

0points

Rahul Pawa 8 months ago

In the snowboarding picture, what is that creature in the middle of the photo, between the baby and the dog?

0points

The Other Guest 8 months ago

Well, of course we can't always tell the difference. AI pictures such as these don't look all that different than the photos influencers on Instagram have been swearing for YEARS are not filtered or photoshopped. We can usually catch on if it's something like a five-legged horse though.

0points

Lara Verne 8 months ago

Seriously, Bored Pand? No one can tell the difference most of time, boomer or gen Z.And yes, AI villa looks fabulous.

0points

Cerridwn d'Wyse 8 months ago

Decided I'm going to start logging in and just downloading s*** like this. I'm very tired of them creative staff doing all the slamming and name calling

0points

Lori 8 months ago

This is a slow news day kind of article. I'm 34 and wouldn't be able to tell if it was AI generated. Reason being is because I haven't spent all my free time comparing AI generated photos to non-AI photos. Let people just enjoy things. Sounds pretty boomer of the OP to harp on others for just enjoying something.

0points

D J At Daycare 8 months ago

Well what do you expect from people who can't even spell father?

-1point

Shannon 8 months ago

I am so done with this ageism garbage. Many younger people also don't recognize AI. Separating people by age ignores the reality that we should be concerned about wealth inequality.

-1point

bananas kincaid 8 months ago

So the real boomers were the ai chatbots we met along the way? This whole article is a dumpster fire starting with the premise: it isn't entirely impossible that some old people didn't care to look and see if these pictures were ai generated. It's unlikely to be true, just not entirely impossible. Thanks for the info, I guess

-1point

Marcellus II 8 months ago

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GrowingThruConcrete 8 months ago

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POST

KariAdoresHerKats 8 months ago

45points

SM 8 months ago

15points

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Notme 8 months ago

If you were born in the ‘70s you’re Gen X (70-77) or Xennial (78-79).

5points

Lorraine 8 months ago

Not only that, most of the comments shown here were not "boomers". Everyone falls for AI on FB, it happens all the time.

3points

tuzdayschild 8 months ago

100% agreement

2points

Binky Melnik 8 months ago

1point

Charles McChristy 8 months ago

You don't know what generation you are from?

1point

The Other Guest 8 months ago

"Boomer" is short for "baby boomer" and refers to the increase in birth rate in the years following WWII (1946-1964).

1point

Declan Callaghan 2 days ago

Its called 2024 Kari

0points

The Original Bruno 8 months ago

BP's world relies on people thinking that Boomers are just stupid.

0points

Loverboy 8 months ago

It's not just boomers, sometimes I legitimately can't tell the difference. And it's not just photos anymore, but actual videos. Scary.

23points

Valaun 8 months ago

14points

Lorraine 8 months ago

1point

Load More Replies...

Mike Crow 8 months ago

5points

Any 8 months ago

And thats only the start. Don't get people who preach that Ai isn't concerning and we will not face any disturbances whatsoever. Yeah. No.

5points

Verena 8 months ago (edited)

4points

SM 8 months ago (edited)

4points

Jasmijn 8 months ago

Oh no, people are enjoying visually stunning pictures. How dare they. Stupid old people, enjoying the internet.

3points

Multa Nocte 8 months ago (edited)

From a Boomer - f**k you, Robertas Lisickis and Mindaugas Balčiauskas.

3points

David Paterson 8 months ago (edited)

3points

Christos Arvanitis 8 months ago (edited)

ALL sorts of people are falling for AI generated stuff. Enough with the anti-generation nonsense BP.

2points

PSimms 8 months ago

This is an incredibly stupid article. As if younger people don't get duped by AI.

2points

EhCanadian 8 months ago

1point

Anxious Aardvark 8 months ago

Looking at some of the pictures of people leaving the comments, it seems to be more than one generation posting comments. Agree the article was awful. Maybe it was done as an AI training project?

1point

Jill Bussey 8 months ago

So called elderly people may not notice whether the image is real or AI and if they do, they may just not be bothered. The images can be stunning, it doesn't matter.

1point

Mimi La Souris 8 months ago

the example with the house is poorly chosen, I know a villa on Lake Como that looks exactly like this

1point

Bob Redacted 21 hours ago

and for that house, as an architect. you disgust me. leave. you are not welcome here

0points

Bob Redacted 21 hours ago (edited)

0points

Declan Callaghan 2 days ago

0points

Martha Abel 5 months ago

0points

C.O. Shea 8 months ago

Ok, Zoomers. Pfffttt... Karma dun't care about you. Just wait until you're old. Bwaahahahaaa!

0points

Joe Bloe 8 months ago

Let other people enjoy what they want, especially if it's harmless... Put aside your boomer hate, and just enjoy the moment!!

0points

Cat Dragon 8 months ago

The first picture of the "villa" has a pool where the water is ever so slightly raised and still square.

0points

Rahul Pawa 8 months ago

In the snowboarding picture, what is that creature in the middle of the photo, between the baby and the dog?

0points

The Other Guest 8 months ago

0points

Lara Verne 8 months ago

Seriously, Bored Pand? No one can tell the difference most of time, boomer or gen Z.And yes, AI villa looks fabulous.

0points

Cerridwn d'Wyse 8 months ago

Decided I'm going to start logging in and just downloading s*** like this. I'm very tired of them creative staff doing all the slamming and name calling

0points

Lori 8 months ago

0points

D J At Daycare 8 months ago

Well what do you expect from people who can't even spell father?

-1point

Shannon 8 months ago

I am so done with this ageism garbage. Many younger people also don't recognize AI. Separating people by age ignores the reality that we should be concerned about wealth inequality.

-1point

bananas kincaid 8 months ago

-1point

Marcellus II 8 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

GrowingThruConcrete 8 months ago

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“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

The rise of AI tech has definitely brought up some challenges for regular internet users due to its power of being so darned believable

So much, in fact, that older generations seem to not even be noticing how their feeds are hijacked by AI, as pointed out by this AI investment partner

Justine Moore posted an X thread pointing out how elderly people seem to be not noticing the fact that they’re engaging with AI content

The content doesn’t even have to make sense, actually, as long as it makes them happy

Heck, even a warning sign is not enough

The post itself went viral with 9.2M views, but it was also reshared on AI-focused media, too

A number of commenters pointed out that the elderly people commenting under the AI posts are also bots

Still, it doesn’t take away from the fact that there’s always a non-zero chance of actual elderly people falling for it

Poll Question

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Kriss Kross

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“Photos Don’t Even Have To Be That Realistic”: Boomers On Facebook Are Getting Fooled By AI

The rise of AI tech has definitely brought up some challenges for regular internet users due to its power of being so darned believable

So much, in fact, that older generations seem to not even be noticing how their feeds are hijacked by AI, as pointed out by this AI investment partner

Justine Moore posted an X thread pointing out how elderly people seem to be not noticing the fact that they’re engaging with AI content

The content doesn’t even have to make sense, actually, as long as it makes them happy

Heck, even a warning sign is not enough

The post itself went viral with 9.2M views, but it was also reshared on AI-focused media, too

A number of commenters pointed out that the elderly people commenting under the AI posts are also bots

Still, it doesn’t take away from the fact that there’s always a non-zero chance of actual elderly people falling for it

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