When we asked the public to describe their feelings towards AI-generated actors in advertising in a single sentence, opponents used a raft of colourful language. AI-generated actors were variously described as a “manipulation”, “soulless”, a “poor substitute”, and a “travesty that should be immediately outlawed”. Some more moderate voices said they were acceptable “as long as [the viewer is] aware”, or “as long as the information was truthful”.
Awareness was a recurring subject, and one we covered in our survey. Some 94% of Britons believe that companies should disclose using AI-generated actors in ads, with only 2% saying they should not.
When is or is it not acceptable to use AI-generated actors?
So when, if at all, is it okay to use an AI-generated actor?
Our data shows that 45% of Britons say it’s acceptable to use synthetic performers for humour, and a similar proportion (44%) say it’s okay to use them as background characters. Nearly two in five say they’re acceptable to use for entertainment or storytelling purposes (38%).