Dangers & pitfalls of AI in Aesthetics.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has infiltrated various aspects of our lives, including the world of aesthetics and clinical marketing. Over the past few years, I have observed the significant transformations brought about by AI, updating my presentations frequently to keep pace with these developments.
I am cautiously optimistic about the diagnostic potentials of AI in fields such as mole mapping or cancer detection - however the purpose of this article is to outline the dangers with marketing.
My stern advise to clients has been that not only do you risk fines, but you are wasting your opportunities to market with actual results of your patients through objective Clinical Photography.
Marketing agencies selling you these images are not acting in your best interest.
The speed at which AI is evolving raises important questions regarding the implications of using AI-generated images in advertising, particularly in a field where trust and authenticity are crucial. As AI becomes more prevalent, the potential for misuse becomes more concerning, especially when it comes to illustrating treatment outcomes that patients expect.
Current government regulations aim to prevent unrealistic expectations related to treatment results as well as false or misleading advertising. For this reason, the use of stock photographs has been deemed illegal in many contexts where clinical services are promoted. However, regulations often lag behind technological advancements, such as the emergence of AI imagery in marketing materials for health and aesthetic services. In the past, stock photographs involved intensive human intervention, requiring photographers and artists to retouch and manipulate images to create the idealised visuals that are used by private clinics and industry alike. Walking around an Industry meeting is quite the experience when you notice the same model advertising several products.
Today, AI is replacing these images, posing significant issues for ethical marketing practices.
Utilizing AI-generated imagery to represent clinical services contradicts the principles established by these regulations and reflects a lack of commitment to responsible marketing. It is important to highlight that presenting authentic results is crucial for building trust with potential patients. As the aesthetic industry evolves, it is essential that marketing strategies prioritize real outcomes over idealized representations that do not reflect genuine patient experiences.
By focusing on authentic images that accurately represent treatment results, clinics can provide prospective patients with realistic expectations, ultimately fostering a more trustworthy and transparent relationship.