There has been some chatter on social media about the use of AI-generated images in Second Life—not only in ads but also on actual product textures.
This debate isn’t new. Shoppers have long suspected that some body and head skins, which look a little too realistic, might have been AI-generated. Misrepresentation of products offered for sale is fraud—that much isn’t up for debate.
BlueSky user Maple Moose (angrymaplemoose.bsky.social) has taken things a step further in their disdain for all things created by artificial intelligence. Their critique extends to ads, store assets, hangout assets, and event posters. This sentiment is reflected in the list of businesses they’ve curated on their Google Doc, titled "SecondLife GenAI Blacklist," which is currently circulating on BlueSky.
When I used to run Second Life businesses, I often relied on platforms like Canva to create posters for advertising events. I don’t think I was alone in this.
To me, this blacklist feels like a step (or two) too far—bordering on bullying. Others might argue, however, that Maple Moose is entitled to their opinion.
When it comes to misleading ads with doctored hair or filtered images, the best way to protect buyers is to encourage everyone to view items in-world before making a purchase. I realize this puts smaller creators—those without in-world stores—in a tough spot. But at the very least, they could offer a demo or include a short video showing the product in action.
When I buy furniture, I need to know what poses are included. When I buy jeans, I want to know if my butt looks good—or if my knees are going to glitch through the fabric. And when I buy a blouse, I need to know: will it show just the right amount of cleavage, or is my whole left boob going to be hanging out?
These are the important questions.
So, what do you think? Is calling for a blacklist of Second Life creators who use GenAI content—whether for product textures, event advertising, or anything else—a step too far? Have you ever used AI-generated content in any aspect of your Second Life business?
Let me know your thoughts below!
I’ll be over here rearranging my parcel if you need me.
2 comments:
No one is bullying these creators. None of these creators are crying they are victims, several are quite proud of being on the list for using AI and profiting off it. The list is insightful and gives a listing, with examples, of who to avoid shopping with. No need for a demo or wasting my time. However, you are correct, the fact the demos do indeed always tell the truth-- that the AI is deceptive towards the product and never looks like the advertisement. Clubs who use AI for their events should just admit they don't have creative friends, have no original ideas, and or are too cheap to put in the time, effort, or money to make their own advertisements.
This is a well established skin creator and these are their ad posters: https://www.flickr.com/photos/atelierpepe/with/53770866560
I meeeeean... really? Of course it looks nice, but that's just not how an avatar looks in SL. It really doesn't make sense.
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