Instagram's head says the aesthetic that helped the app become popular is dead — and AI helped kill it (www.businessinsider.com)

Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, recently declared that the platform's once-popular polished aesthetic is now outdated, primarily due to the rise of AI-generated content. In a message shared on Threads, he emphasized that users are shifting away from curated feeds filled with stunning photography towards a more "raw aesthetic" characterized by unfiltered, candid shots. He noted that AI tools, like Midjourney and Sora, have made it easier than ever to create visually appealing images, which diminishes the impact of classic polished content. As a result, Mosseri argues that Instagram must adapt to this changing landscape, where authenticity trumps perfection. This shift is significant for the AI and ML community, as it highlights the profound influence of AI technologies on social media dynamics and user behavior. Mosseri suggested implementing measures to better identify AI-generated media and improve transparency regarding content origins. He also expressed the need for creative controls to help human creators compete against AI-produced content. This evolution reflects challenges social media platforms face in maintaining user engagement and trust in an increasingly AI-driven world, signaling a critical juncture in how we perceive and interact with digital media.