AI-made images often backfire because senders value polish while consumers seek authenticity.
Backlash against Ajinomoto and restaurant menus reflects this divide.
Handmade, imperfect designs now gain fresh appeal.
What happened
Recent controversies include Ajinomoto's official X account posting an AI-edited image and a restaurant menu sample image made with generative AI, both drawing backlash.
Why it matters
The gap between what senders think is good and what receivers value causes rejection, according to Asteria executive officer Fumihiro Naganuma, who notes polished AI images may seem careless or lacking human touch.
What to watch
As AI-generated images become common, appreciation grows for handmade, imperfect creations, like the Agriculture Ministry's simple poster that went viral in June, and the rise of BeReal. as a reaction to overly curated Instagram posts.
Ask the AI about this article →
The article suggests that while AI tools make it easy for anyone to create attractive images, they also raise expectations about authenticity. Naganuma points out that consumers are increasingly valuing the human effort behind images, not just the final look. This mirrors the shift from curated Instagram posts to the more genuine BeReal. platform. For public relations and marketing, this means adapting to a changing sense of what feels 'tricky' to consumers. The advice is to focus on the receiver's perspective rather than just the sender's enthusiasm, as the criteria for what resonates with audiences has evolved.
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