A new social media app called BeFake AI is challenging the notion of authenticity on online platforms. The app allows users to use artificial intelligence (AI) to modify their photos into art creations and upload them online. The app’s slogan is “Why be real when it’s fun to BeFake?”
How does BeFake AI work?
BeFake AI is inspired by BeReal, a social media app that was launched in January 2020 and aimed to bring back the realness of social media by asking users to share unfiltered photos within two minutes of receiving a notification. BeFake AI, on the other hand, gives users more time and freedom to edit their photos using AI.
Users can use the predetermined prompts or personalize their own, similar to how they would on DALL-E or other AI art generators. For example, they can turn their selfies into cartoons, paintings, or animals. Once they are satisfied with their photo, they can upload it on the app and share it with other users.
However, there is a catch. Despite posting a photo that doesn’t resemble the original one, users can swipe to see the original photo and the AI-transformed one. This feature is meant to show the contrast between reality and fantasy, and also to prevent users from deceiving others with their fake photos.
What are the benefits of BeFake AI?
According to the app’s developers, BeFake AI is not meant to promote dishonesty or insecurity, but rather to encourage creativity and fun. They claim that the app can help users express themselves in different ways and explore their artistic potential.
The app can also be a source of entertainment and amusement for users who want to see how they or their friends would look like in different scenarios or styles. The app’s website states that “BeFake AI is a place where you can be whoever you want to be, without any judgment or pressure.”
What are the drawbacks of BeFake AI?
While BeFake AI may seem like a harmless and playful app, it also raises some ethical and privacy concerns. For one thing, the app can use the personal data of users for its own purposes, such as training its models further or transferring it to other parties.
The app’s privacy policy says that it can use the personal data of users “to provide and maintain our Service” as well as “for business transfers” or “other purposes,” which include “data analysis, identifying usage trends, determining the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns and to evaluate and improve our Service, products, services, marketing and your experience.”
Another issue is that the app may contribute to the distortion of reality and the loss of authenticity on social media. By allowing users to alter their photos with AI, the app may encourage them to present a false image of themselves or others, which can have negative effects on their self-esteem and social relationships.
Moreover, the app may pose a risk of deception and manipulation, especially if users opt for the subscription service that allows them to hide the original photo from other users. This feature may enable users to create fake identities or impersonate others without their consent.
How can I download BeFake AI?
BeFake AI is available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free. However, users who want to access more features and benefits can join the subscription service for $9.99 per month, $99.99 per year, or $2.99 per week.
The subscription service gives users perks such as hiding the original photo, posting late without penalty, and having unlimited photo generations. Users who are interested in trying out the app should be aware of its terms and conditions before downloading it.
