Instagram, the popular photo and video sharing app owned by Meta, has recently launched a new feature that allows users to change the background of their posts using generative artificial intelligence (AI). The feature, called GenAI, is currently available for U.S. users only, and it aims to enhance the creativity and expression of Instagram users.
What is Instagram’s GenAI-Powered Background Editing Tool?
GenAI is a feature that uses generative AI to create realistic and diverse backgrounds for Instagram posts. Users can choose from a variety of categories, such as nature, city, art, and abstract, and GenAI will generate a background that matches the style and mood of the user’s photo or video. Users can also adjust the intensity and blending of the background, and preview the result before posting.
How it Works
GenAI uses a type of generative AI called generative adversarial networks (GANs), which consist of two neural networks that compete with each other to create realistic images. One network, called the generator, tries to create a background image that is similar to the original image, but with a different category. The other network, called the discriminator, tries to distinguish between the original and the generated images. The generator learns from the feedback of the discriminator and tries to improve its output. The result is a background image that is realistic, diverse, and coherent with the original image.
Similar Features on Other Platforms
Instagram is not the first platform to offer background editing features using AI. Other platforms, such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Zoom, have also introduced similar features that allow users to change or blur their backgrounds using AI. However, Instagram’s GenAI feature is different in that it uses generative AI, which can create new and unique backgrounds, rather than using predefined or static backgrounds. This gives users more options and flexibility to customize their posts.
Meta’s AI Innovations and Features
GenAI is one of the many AI innovations and features that Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has developed and introduced in recent years. Meta is one of the leading companies in the field of AI, and it has invested heavily in research and development of AI technologies. Some of the other AI innovations and features that Meta has launched or announced are:
AI Characters and Image Generator
Meta has created a platform called Metaverse, which is a virtual reality environment where users can interact with each other using avatars. Meta has also developed AI technologies that can create realistic and expressive avatars, called AI characters, for users. Users can customize their AI characters using their photos, voice, and preferences, and use them to communicate and socialize in the Metaverse. Meta has also created an AI image generator, called GrokNet, which can create realistic and diverse images of objects, scenes, and people, using natural language descriptions.
Shop Feature
Meta has also introduced a shop feature, which allows users to buy and sell products using AI. Users can browse and discover products from various categories, such as fashion, beauty, and home, using AI recommendations and filters. Users can also use AI to try on products, such as clothes, accessories, and makeup, using their photos or videos. Users can also use AI to create and share their own products, such as designs, artworks, and crafts, using generative AI tools.
Responsibly Using Generative AI
Generative AI is a powerful and promising technology that can enable new forms of creativity and expression. However, it also poses some challenges and risks, such as ethical, social, and legal implications. Therefore, it is important to use generative AI responsibly and to ensure that it is aligned with human values and interests.
Building and Implementing AI Features Responsibly
One of the challenges of using generative AI is to ensure that it does not create harmful or misleading content, such as fake news, deepfakes, or hate speech. To prevent this, it is necessary to build and implement AI features responsibly, and to follow some principles and guidelines, such as:
- Transparency: Users should be informed and aware of the use and source of generative AI content, and be able to distinguish between real and generated content.
- Accountability: Developers and platforms should be accountable for the quality and impact of generative AI content, and be able to monitor and moderate it.
- Diversity: Generative AI content should reflect and respect the diversity and inclusion of users and communities, and avoid bias and discrimination.
- Privacy: Generative AI content should protect and respect the privacy and consent of users and data subjects, and avoid unauthorized or inappropriate use of personal data.
Meta’s Approach to AI
Meta has stated that it is committed to using AI responsibly and that it follows some principles and practices, such as:
- Responsible Innovation: Meta has established a Responsible Innovation team, which is responsible for ensuring that AI products and features are designed and developed with ethical and social considerations in mind.
- Independent Oversight: Meta has created an independent oversight board, which is responsible for reviewing and deciding on the most difficult and significant content decisions, including those involving AI.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Meta has engaged with various stakeholders, such as academics, experts, regulators, and civil society, to solicit feedback and input on its AI policies and practices.
- Research and Education: Meta has supported and conducted research and education on AI, such as publishing papers, hosting conferences, and offering courses, to advance the knowledge and understanding of AI.
