Artificial impressions: Trust and credibility in AI-enhanced profile pictures

Abstract

This study examines perceptions of AI-generated images used as profile pictures and subsequent evaluations of trustworthiness and credibility of someone who uses them. We conducted a pre-registered experiment in which participants evaluated profile pictures, some of which were AI-generated and some of which were disclosed as such. The comparison set were professional photos. Results indicate that the quality of AI-generated images is rated highly, yet disclosure of their AI origins leads to lower quality perceptions.