In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the benefits of innovation are undeniable—from breakthroughs in medicine to new ways of connecting globally. However, the misuse of such technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), has cast a dark shadow over many lives. Celebrities, in particular, have become victims of disturbing AI-generated images and deepfakes, with Jenna Ortega and Scarlett Johansson recently sharing their harrowing experiences.
Jenna Ortega’s Struggle with AI-Manipulated Content
Jenna Ortega, renowned for her roles in Wednesday and Scream VI, has been open about her negative experience with AI-generated content. The actress, who is known for her strong presence on screen, took a decisive step by deleting her Twitter (now X) account due to the distressing content she encountered.
In an interview with The New York Times, Ortega revealed her deep frustration with AI technology. She described the disturbing images of her youth that were manipulated and spread online, which contributed to her decision to abandon social media.
“Did I like being 14 and making a Twitter account because I was supposed to and seeing dirty edited content of me as a child? No. It’s terrifying. It’s corrupt. It’s wrong,” Ortega said, highlighting her shock and discomfort over the inappropriate use of her image.
Ortega recounted how one of her earliest direct messages on the platform was a graphic and unsolicited photo from a stranger. As her popularity grew with the success of Wednesday, so did the influx of explicit AI-generated images. This led her to delete her account two to three years ago, overwhelmed by the disturbing content.
“One of the first — actually the first D.M. that I ever opened myself when I was 12 was an unsolicited photo of a man’s genitals, and that was just the beginning of what was to come… I ended up deleting [my account] about two, three years ago because the influx after the show had come out — these absurd images and photos, and I already was in a confused state that I just deleted it.”
The experience left Ortega feeling violated and distressed, leading her to completely disconnect from the platform.
Scarlett Johansson and the AI Voice Controversy
Jenna Ortega is not alone in her battle against AI misuse. Scarlett Johansson, known for her iconic role as Black Widow, faced a different yet equally troubling issue. Johansson’s voice was replicated by OpenAI to create a digital assistant, despite her refusal to participate in the project.
Johansson expressed her outrage when she discovered that OpenAI had used a voice resembling hers without her consent. The digital assistant’s voice was so similar that even her closest friends could not distinguish it from her own.
“I was shocked, angered, and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that sounded so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference,” Johansson stated in an interview with NPR.
Taylor Swift’s Battle with AI-Generated Explicit Images
AI misuse has also impacted Taylor Swift, who recently became the target of explicit AI-generated images. During her Eras Tour, Swift’s name was associated with sexually explicit content that spread rapidly on social media platforms like X.
Despite the platform’s efforts to remove the images after 17 hours, the damage was already significant, with the images receiving over 45 million views. This incident highlights the urgent need for better safeguards against such abuses.
The Urgent Need for Action Against AI Misuse
The experiences of Jenna Ortega, Scarlett Johansson, and Taylor Swift underscore a growing crisis in the entertainment industry. The ability to manipulate images and voices with AI technology poses serious risks to privacy and mental health.
As technology continues to evolve, the need for stricter regulations and ethical guidelines becomes increasingly important. Both the public and lawmakers must be vigilant in addressing these issues to prevent further misuse of AI technology.
The disturbing experiences shared by these celebrities serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by AI when used unethically. It is crucial for society to engage in conversations about privacy, consent, and the responsible use of technology.
By staying informed and cautious about the content we encounter online, we can help combat the misuse of AI and protect individuals from the harmful effects of such technologies. The fight against AI misuse is ongoing, but with increased awareness and action, we can work towards a safer digital environment.
