The importance of visual literacy to understand visual information and interpreting visual language is an imperative part of empowering individuals to navigate educational institutions, work, and everyday life. The significance of visual literacy in an image-saturated culture is noted in “Re-Viewing Visual Literacy in the “Bain d’ Images” Era By Maria D. Avgerinou.
I am particularly interested in the relationship between visual literacy and reality apathy In the age of Ai generated imagery. As we increase the creation and production of images using generative AI, we have seen a rise in a phenomenon called reality apathy. People are becoming increasingly indifferent to the authenticity and reliability of visual content due to Ai generated imagery, “created realities”, and deep fakes. The phenomenon in addition to the “image bath” referenced in the article has profound implications for visual literacy. Visual literacy, encompassing the ability to use critical thinking concerning imagery, becomes challenged when AI-generated images become indistinguishable from real ones making it challenging to discern fact from fiction eroding the trust in visual information.
According to Avgerinou “when it comes to the 21st century, the era of digital information and proliferation of visual media, the aforementioned VL skills find themselves in pressing need of reconsideration”. Visual literacy, closely linked to media literacy, becomes vulnerable when ai generated images blur the line between real and fake, making it essential for individuals to become more discerning in their media consumption. Avgerinou writes “The world is currently on the threshold of a new status quo—the hegemony of the image. Yet, this seems a mixed blessing, for people, especially young people, are not equipped with the necessary critical viewing and thinking skills to survive it.
Ai-generated imagery presents a significant challenge to visual literacy, calling for a re-evaluation of how we approach the teaching of VL in a world where the authenticity of images can no longer be taken for granted. Teaching critical thinking skills in the context of visual content is essential, and encouraging critical thinking, ethical awareness, and media literacy will be essential in navigating the evolving landscape of visual information in the age of AI and an image-saturated world.
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