Who's really doing your reading?

In the age of AI, does it matter who's behind the cards?

Photo by Alice Alinari on Unsplash

The other day I came upon a sponsored post for tarot readings. The image was clearly AI– a highly polished, not-quite-photograph, not-quite-illustration depicting exactly what you imagine when you think “tarot reader”-- a beautiful, mysterious young woman with a deck of cards staring straight at the viewer, giving you the feeling that she could see into your soul.

My immediate thought was that this was yet another ad for fake readings generated through AI. There are countless companies that offer “personalized” tarot readings that are simply computer-generated documents and videos. I was curious, though, so I clicked on the link to find out more, expecting a generic website. Instead what I found was that it took me to the website of someone I actually know. A legit reader. A real human being.

The comments on the post were all similar: “You look so beautiful!” “That photo is stunning!” “You’re hot AF!” I hated this, because the reader is beautiful in real life. She didn’t need the AI boob job, tummy tuck and hair extensions to be attractive.

And now all of a sudden this trend is exploding. People in spiritual businesses using images of themselves manipulated and manufactured by AI. We’re talking fairy wings, shaman garb, perfect skin and hair. Fun right? Who doesn’t want to see what they’d look like 25 pounds lighter with long, flowing locks and a black cat familiar?

But fun as it may be, it presents a big problem. Aside from the stuff we all know (it’s terrible for the environment, you’re giving your likeness away to be used for anything and it puts money in billionaires pockets), the real issue is that AI imagery weakens your brand.

As spiritual entrepreneurs, we (correct me if I’m wrong here) espouse authenticity, health, strength, connection and community. It’s easy to use AI to create pictures that suggest all these ideas. But looking at these images, what is your brain saying?

“If I buy this book (or class or event), I’ll be getting guidance from this person who is fit/healthy/spiritually ascended/magical/financially well off.”

Behind that badass image of the warrior/priestess/supermodel is more likely someone who is running to the grocery store in their sweatpants, hair in a ponytail, no makeup on, hoping they don’t run into anyone they know.

Your brand is you.

When people invest in your product, they’re trusting that what you have to offer is what you’re showing them. Fake AI images weaken your strongest asset– your truth. They dilute messages of authenticity and reality. Even when it’s glaringly obvious that an image is AI, it’s challenging to separate fantasy from reality. These images place a layer of distrust between you and your potential client.

In my case, I could have skipped right by the original post because I assumed it was an AI conglomeration. Meanwhile, the tarot reader behind the ad probably thought that this mystical, magical image would attract new clients.

I believe that a photograph that hasn’t been enhanced with AI is much more accessible and friendly. It shows a certain level of vulnerability and trustworthiness that you just don’t get with an artificial image. It may feel “safer” to use a doctored AI image (people can’t criticize your flat hair, double chin, wonky smile), but eventually they will see the real you. Isn’t it better to be honest up front?

What do you think? Are AI images harmless? Am I just raining on the AI parade? I’d love to hear your thoughts.