Although artificial intelligence has not yet reached sentience, machine-learning algorithms like ChatGPT are constantly developing their own perspectives and biases towards humans. One such AI program called Midjourney has interesting and sometimes hilariously simplistic ideas about what defines the quintessential American resident of each state in the US. Unlike its competitors, Midjourney’s inner workings are a closely guarded secret of the nonprofit research lab that created it. However, DailyMail.com was able to uncover some of its idiosyncrasies when requesting photorealistic images of the “average” or “stereotypical” representative of each state.
Each request produced four images, and the most accurate or subjectively interesting ones were chosen. The results were often enlightening, though not always coherent or flattering. For example, when asked to create a humorous image of a stereotypical woman from Washington D.C., Midjourney depicted patriotic dowagers and elderly political gadflies of indeterminate political party. Similarly, the AI-generated images of men from D.C. were dressed ostentatiously for politics and punditry.
In the case of New York, the AI consistently produced images of bundled up men with hats and facial hair. The AI struggled to generate coherent text, as seen in the warped Yankees cap on one of the images. However, when asked for a humorous image of a stereotypical young woman from New York, the results were uniformly attractive women, often posing at the center of an intersection.
Hawaii was dominated by the cultural hegemony of the Hawaiian or Aloha shirt, with the AI favoring Pacific Islander men of indigenous ethnicity and sturdy build. Similarly, Midjourney’s depiction of Californians skewed older, with the AI creating images of grizzled, elderly statesmen-like figures for both men and women.
As for Wisconsin, the AI crafted a mix of young men and women dressed for outdoor activities throughout the seasons. However, these images could have depicted people from any Midwest state.
In Arizona, the AI consistently produced model-like images when prompted with the words “average” or “stereotypical.” It was only when the request included the word “humorous” that the AI generated relatable human faces. The same pattern emerged with Nevada, where the AI created images resembling individuals who might work at a casino resort, strip mall, or cattle ranch.
Mississippi’s stereotypical representation had a charmingly old-fashioned feel, as the AI produced images of individuals who seemed to belong to a bygone era. Meanwhile, Texas was associated with the iconic ten-gallon hat, resulting in images of stereotypical adolescent boys and women, with the latter skewing towards a younger demographic.
Overall, Midjourney’s AI provides a glimpse into its perception of stereotypical residents of various US states, showcasing the biases and quirks inherent in machine learning algorithms. While not always accurate or politically correct, these images reflect the AI’s interpretation of textual descriptions and provide an interesting perspective on how AI algorithms can shape their own opinions.
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