Examining the Prevalence and Dynamics of AI-Generated Media in Art Subreddits

TL;DR

This study analyzes the prevalence, community responses, and evolving norms regarding AI-generated art in Reddit art communities, revealing low direct AI content sharing but persistent suspicion and changing social dynamics.

Contribution

It provides an empirical analysis of AI-generated content's role and perception in art communities, highlighting community norms and interaction patterns over time.

Findings

AI posts are less than 0.5% of image posts by end of 2023

Accusations of AI use are more persistent than actual AI posts

Negative comments about AI use have increased over time

Abstract

Broadly accessible generative AI models like Dall-E have made it possible for anyone to create compelling visual art. In online communities, the introduction of AI-generated content (AIGC) may impact social dynamics, for example causing changes in who is posting content, or shifting the norms or the discussions around the posted content if posts are suspected of being generated by AI. We take steps towards examining the potential impact of AIGC on art-related communities on Reddit. We distinguish between communities that disallow AI content and those without such a direct policy. We look at image-based posts in these communities where the author transparently shares that the image was created by AI, and at comments in these communities that suspect or accuse authors of using generative AI. We find that AI posts (and accusations) have played a surprisingly small part in these communities through the end of 2023, accounting for fewer than 0.5% of the image-based posts. However, even as the absolute number of author-labeled AI posts dwindles over time, accusations of AI use remain more persistent. We show that AI content is more readily used by newcomers and may help increase participation if it aligns with community rules. However, the tone of comments suspecting AI use by others has become more negative over time, especially in communities that do not have explicit rules about AI. Overall, the results show the changing norms and interactions around AIGC in online communities designated for creativity.