By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
A popular UK lifestyle and fashion magazine, SheerLuxe, has faced criticism after introducing an artificial intelligence"fashion and lifestyle editor" on its social media as a "new member" of the team. The AI editor, named "Reem," was presented to SheerLuxe's substantial Instagram following of nearly half a million earlier this week.
The introduction sparked backlash from followers, with some expressing concerns about the impact on employment for human journalists and criticizing the promotion of unattainable beauty standards. In response, SheerLuxe acknowledged in a statement that while innovation is a core value for the brand, they had not communicated their intentions clearly and issued an apology.
The company explained that Reem, like other editors at SheerLuxe, is tasked with providing fashion, beauty, and travel recommendations to their audience. The AI editor's Instagram features images of Reem in various outfits and product suggestions. Although SheerLuxe initially did not disclose Reem's ethnicity, fans speculated she was intended to represent Middle Eastern heritage due to her Arabic name. Critics questioned why the magazine opted to create an AI woman of color instead of hiring a real person. SheerLuxe later clarified that Reem was developed in collaboration with an AI imagery creator from the Middle East, reflecting her appearance.
Despite some negative feedback, there were positive responses praising SheerLuxe's innovation. AI and tech expert Dan Sodergren told that while he supports the use of AI innovation, he believes SheerLuxe's approach may have been too forward thinking at this time.
SheerLuxe reiterated their commitment to innovation, stating that their intention was to remain at the forefront of technology and AI advancements. However, they admitted to not properly explaining their approach and apologized for any confusion caused. Following the announcement, SheerLuxe's Instagram following experienced a slight decline, which may indicate some fan reactions. This incident also raises broader questions about the future role of AI in journalism.
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