Eastern Faces Online Backlash Over AI Ad

Mathew Biadun | News-Editor

The university faced backlash last week after a new, AI-generated advertisement was posted to the university’s social media. The ad, notifying prospective students about an extension to the university’s no-fee application period, portrays Willi the Warrior studying at the beach. The description in the comments read:

“Willi’s been taking notes… and he wants you to know something important. 👀✍️

Application fees are waived through the end of the day tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 15!

Start your journey at Eastern and apply now! 💙

www.easternct.edu/apply”

Student feedback in the comments was less positive.

“why are we using AI?” One student asked. “this could’ve been an opportunity for graphic design students. this is so embarrassing.”

Another student suggested a counter-advertisement: ““Welcome Prospective Families to ECSU!! This is our Fine Arts Center, with top of the line resources and labs! Please join the Warrior Family, where ChatGPT is preferred over our students’ art curriculum!””

The rapid ascent of AI in recent years has worried many about the future of jobs for creative disciplines, such as art and creative writing. As another student wrote, “you have a whole department of art students that pays you to learn to make art and this is essentially spitting in their faces. way to devalue their work and dedication to a craft by using AI (which has been throwing artists out of jobs btw). way to go eastern!!!”

Past students also saw the post, with one writing, “As a Digital Art & Media Design alumni, this is disheartening to see when you specifically have the Eastern Design Group to give you great content instead of Ai.”

AI is already causing anxiety over the job market worldwide. A report by one firm estimated that generative AI cost 10,000 potential new jobs in July alone. Eastern has not been unaware of this development, and hosted an event on the 18th titled, “AI in Human Resources”. Whether or not the backlash to the AI ad will prevent future such ads from being made remains to be seen. However, what has become clear is that, with AI here to stay, the subject will be engaged by the university, in one way or another.