In an era where Instagram feeds and TikTok videos heavily influence travel decisions, the rise of AI-generated images — many of which go viral and are viewed by millions of people — is creating a fantasyland that many travelers will find does not match reality.
AI-generated images are becoming alarmingly sophisticated, transforming mundane landscapes into hyperbolized paradises. Beaches are given sand whiter than ivory, skies are bluer than in real-life, and cityscapes morph into utopian visions devoid of the usual crowds and imperfections.
This all raises questions of ethical responsibility among travel industry colleagues who purport to offer “authentic” travel experiences. In my opinion, these generated images serve as a…