Passing AI Images Off As Oneself In Media pages

So I've seen this happening on a regular basis here and elsewhere. The challenge is that AI has gotten to the point that unless you're on top of things, it's easy to be fooled. What concerns me is the amount of catfishing that takes place where I might comment on a picture only to be approached by the account asking me for pictures. The other thing, of course, is that there are so many on this site who are so caught up in trying to hook up that they bite and bite hard.

I understand that we're all adults here and are responsible for the consequences of our own choices, but does it not put the site at risk if someone gets catfished to the point that they get harmed by someone who takes advantage of them in this way?

Quote by Racoonteur

So I've seen this happening on a regular basis here and elsewhere. The challenge is that AI has gotten to the point that unless you're on top of things, it's easy to be fooled. What concerns me is the amount of catfishing that takes place where I might comment on a picture only to be approached by the account asking me for pictures. The other thing, of course, is that there are so many on this site who are so caught up in trying to hook up that they bite and bite hard.

I understand that we're all adults here and are responsible for the consequences of our own choices, but does it not put the site at risk if someone gets catfished to the point that they get harmed by someone who takes advantage of them in this way?

Platforms aren't at risk because they're the medium that scammers use. Like, your internet service provider isn't responsible for all the emails you get from Nigerian Princes, and your cell provider isn't responsible for all the calls you get about great deals on car insurance.

We ban a lot of scammers - it's something we take seriously - but as long as we offer free-tier memberships, there will always be people signing up and misrepresenting themselves for whatever reason. If someone DMs you with a 'romance scam', or asks for tokens, etc report them - they will be dealt with.

We also offer a verification system. If you want to be certain about who you're talking to, you can limit yourself to interacting with verified members.

Please see this forum for threads on keeping yourself safe online.

I appreciate the advice, and I'm sure others do too. More than anything, I'd hoped to stir a discussion on the simple fact that there are peeps out there who are putting AI up there that others are falling for time and again. That, and clearly ripping other people's sites for their images and passing them off as their own.

I think it would be better to put that info out more often in a proactive fashion rather than referencing helpful posts after the fact.

Pretty clear there’s a lot of (at least attempted) catfishing going on here. Even though my story readership is probably 80% male, I regularly get unsolicited “Hi” messages from female-identified users I’ve not otherwise had contact with. The are almost always new to the site, claiming on their profile to be looking for love, showing off a handful of too-good-to-be-true sexy photos, and giving no evidence that the intend to ever read or write a story here. I ignore these messages, or block them upon a rare second offense, and since I do not look to Lush as a dating site, it never goes anywhere and I rarely have anything to report. But probably somebody is falling for it.

So far, despite the flood of AI images in general, I personally haven’t yet noticed a lot of obvious AI in people’s photos purporting to be of themselves - though it's obvious that many members have been doing that with non-AI images for a long time. IMO the AI image generators are mostly not quite good enough to fool me into thinking the image is of the member in question, but based on the “you are so hot” comments people make on what to me is pretty obvious AI fakery, I am disturbed by how many are fooled. We may not survive the incoming slop-tsunami if we don’t all grow bigger critical-thinking balls. The bar is about to get raised again with the character-permanence features being rolled out on some sites, which will allow you to generate multiple images of what appear to be the same person.

I understand that it’s caveat user, mostly, as far as the catfishing and other scams go. The advice in Jen’s link is good. I don’t know what else the site can do other than issue stern warnings to the community. This is the enshittified state of the world we live in.

Quote by Racoonteur
I think it would be better to put that info out more often in a proactive fashion rather than referencing helpful posts after the fact.

I mean, they're pinned in the 'welcome to lush' section of the forum. Not sure how much more proactive we could be. There are tools available for people to manage their experience here, but sadly, it being the internet, there will always be people trying to take advantage.

If you receive messages from accounts that sound scammy, please report them and we can investigate.

Again, I just had not seen any real discussion about this taking place while the fake accounts continue to proliferate here. My hope was that if there was such an ongoing discussion, and people would happen across it, then maybe they'd eventually start to look a little closer and be a bit more discerning before buying into the ruse.

One of the challenges is that when a person sees someone passing a bunch of AI images off as actual pictures of themselves, they might say something in response, but that person can simply delete the comment and block the person who is pointing out their scam.

Just an ongoing, informational discussion to keep the fact that these accounts are present here is helpful in itself.

Quote by Racoonteur

Again, I just had not seen any real discussion about this taking place while the fake accounts continue to proliferate here. My hope was that if there was such an ongoing discussion, and people would happen across it, then maybe they'd eventually start to look a little closer and be a bit more discerning before buying into the ruse.

One of the challenges is that when a person sees someone passing a bunch of AI images off as actual pictures of themselves, they might say something in response, but that person can simply delete the comment and block the person who is pointing out their scam.

Just an ongoing, informational discussion to keep the fact that these accounts are present here is helpful in itself.

It's worth noting that many use the site simply to submit/read stories and will only respond to people they have interacted with through that. This issue will feel more relevant to some users than others. That doesn't mean I, and I presume, others aren't sympathetic; it may just be that their own experience makes them feel they have little to offer on the subject. Any messages I get that aren't related to the reason I'm here aren't for me. I may not be the only one for whom this issue is largely irrelevant, which may explain why it's not a hot topic for discussion.

Actually, I think the discussion is going well. I fully anticipated that some would chime in with a "Meh, I don't think it's an issue," approach, and that's fine. Again, the main purpose is to have the discussion, not to make it a win or lose debate.

You're right, there are some here who could care less and are fine with just the naughty chatter, whereas others might appreciate more authenticity in what they view and who they might consider to interact with.

It really comes down to whether you see this as a social site or a writing site and then what kind of social site. I come from the world of forums where you mostly just know someone by a username and an avatar to start with. It is rare to have real photos. So I am not looking for the kind of interactions where the authenticity of photos matters. Like JustForYou, I am more about the writing and just having some fun in the forums. Basically, if someone, real or fake, isn't active in writing or the forum's, they are off my radar.

I do think that you have a real concern for the kind of interaction you seem to be looking for. However, I am old enough and have been on the Internet long enough to just assume people are not always who they say. On the Internet, no one knows you're a dog, as the saying goes.😋

Quote by Seeker4
On the Internet, no one knows you're a dog, as the saying goes.😋

Or a pussy cat -- just saying.

Quote by Seeker4

It really comes down to whether you see this as a social site or a writing site and then what kind of social site. I come from the world of forums where you mostly just know someone by a username and an avatar to start with. It is rare to have real photos. So I am not looking for the kind of interactions where the authenticity of photos matters. Like JustForYou, I am more about the writing and just having some fun in the forums. Basically, if someone, real or fake, isn't active in writing or the forum's, they are off my radar.

I do think that you have a real concern for the kind of interaction you seem to be looking for. However, I am old enough and have been on the Internet long enough to just assume people are not always who they say. On the Internet, no one knows you're a dog, as the saying goes.😋

I don't think it's binary decision. I know several writers here who visit the forums and comment on wall posts. For me, what that allows for and invites is a sense of community. I think most would agree that a sense of community is a very valuable asset for a site like this. Granted the anonymity will always be a part of it until folks might be willing to take things a step further. Some are definitely more willing than others to do this.

The challenge comes when those who introduce themselves to the community in a way that suggests they are willing to immediately step past that anonymity and be recognized and interact with others while claiming that they are actually who they present themselves to be, when, to the discerning eye, they clearly are not.

That said, Of course, I am obviously not a raccoon, nor do I claim to be. 🤣

Quote by Racoonteur

I don't think it's binary decision. I know several writers here who visit the forums and comment on wall posts. For me, what that allows for and invites is a sense of community. I think most would agree that a sense of community is a very valuable asset for a site like this. Granted the anonymity will always be a part of it until folks might be willing to take things a step further. Some are definitely more willing than others to do this.

The challenge comes when those who introduce themselves to the community in a way that suggests they are willing to immediately step past that anonymity and be recognized and interact with others while claiming that they are actually who they present themselves to be, when, to the discerning eye, they clearly are not.

That said, Of course, I am obviously not a raccoon, nor do I claim to be. 🤣

You're not an actual raccoon? 🤯 Damn, totally fooled me.

Quote by utterchaos

You're not an actual raccoon? 🤯 Damn, totally fooled me.

🤣 I do play one on... well... here.

Like on dating sites, before you meet in person, request a video real-time to at least verify appearances. Never send money. Never.

And if a picture shows 3 nipples, it’s probably AI. 😊

I do know a few who have met on here and married. There are plenty of “real” people here amidst the catfishers.

I’d run from those suggesting you “tip” them. You can see whatever they offer for free elsewhere. Tipping was set up to be for authors in support of their hard work writing.

Quote by Racoonteur


That said, Of course, I am obviously not a raccoon

Wait. Whaat??

Quote by KimmiBeGood
And if a picture shows 3 nipples, it’s probably AI. 😊

That Al's a cool guy, isn't he? Oh, AI, sorry...😇

Quote by KimmiBeGood

Like on dating sites, before you meet in person, request a video real-time to at least verify appearances. Never send money. Never.

And if a picture shows 3 nipples, it’s probably AI. 😊

I do know a few who have met on here and married. There are plenty of “real” people here amidst the catfishers.

I’d run from those suggesting you “tip” them. You can see whatever they offer for free elsewhere. Tipping was set up to be for authors in support of their hard work writing.

Oh, I'm safe, don't get me wrong. I've lost "friends" here by asking for simple non-sexual verification. They always think it's something they can get past using AI then comes the time when they realize they're on the spot, (non-sexually of course) and get angry because they're busted.

I'm not really talking trying to hook up or anything. Just spending time visiting with a person and then watching their game collapse is disappointing and frustrating. Even harder is watching them go on to continue playing their game. Nothing here says they can't. And I'm not saying there should be either, I just think it would be helpful if there was more of a site-wide awareness that there are those out there who do that.

I don't think there's a damn thing wrong with that, that's the kind of fun we're all here to have, and that's exactly the kind of disclosure I would hope others would be willing to make. It's making the false claim of "this is me" and then getting angry when people ask questions where I have concerns.

BTW, I can see the photoshop in some of your offerings, but can't in others. Either way, you were, and still are gorgeous. Thank you for being here and sharing those with us!

Quote by MicaMeesha

I have to be honest, Photoshop is just too darn complicated for me, but I do the best I can, and yes, some of the media I post is a bit awful! And thank you so very much for your very kind words. xxx

No, no... thank you! 😉

Quote by MicaMeesha

I have to be honest, I have no clue how to use AI, however. I used to be a rather public face; I state as much on my profile, and I have very good reasons for not wishing to post my real face on my media photos. I therefore use 'Photoshop' to alter my face. The body is me (from my distant past, usually), but the face isn't. That is about the limit of my Photoshop skills, and I do freely say that I alter my face. I don't think I am breaking any rules here and would hope that someone would tell me if I am (or have ) broken any rules.

As you've just said it's what you do and it's not mandatory to have a photo, they'd be very harsh rules indeed, if someone was to decide you'd broken one! (Well, from where I'm sitting, anyway.)

When I first joined the site I was a turtle (I would be very surprised if anyone remembers that).

Then I became a sexy skunk (a few may remember that)

Now I am just an ordinary young, sexy, intelligent, health fitness freak bloke who likes coarse fishing (oh with a terrible sense of humour too)

And ALL of those images were me!! No fakes or AI anywhere!

Quote by LeroyJerkins

Keep that illusion; keep it warm and cherish it as long as it works out. When a community gets overwhelmed by bots and scammers, it dies.
(I agree that Lush is not responsible)

Did that reply actually make sense to you? Did I say anything at all about allowing the community to get overwhelmed by bots and scammers, or did I just make a point about legal liability that you agreed with?

Quote by KimmiBeGood

Like on dating sites, before you meet in person, request a video real-time to at least verify appearances. Never send money. Never.

And if a picture shows 3 nipples, it’s probably AI. 😊

I do know a few who have met on here and married. There are plenty of “real” people here amidst the catfishers.

I’d run from those suggesting you “tip” them. You can see whatever they offer for free elsewhere. Tipping was set up to be for authors in support of their hard work writing.

I find the whole asking for tips so needy and pathetic. Like only fans lite.. even the authors begging for likes nd tips seems rather needy and pathetic on a free site

Quote by LeroyJerkins
You saying that platforms aren't at risk comes across as arrogant as you imply that a webpage can't be hurt (badly) by scammers and bots. I think that was pretty obvious.

Don't write "Keep that illusion; keep it warm and cherish it as long as it works out" and then point fingers at other people for coming across as arrogant, especially when you're wrong.

I didn't imply that the webpage can't be hurt by scammers and bots. Your "what is obvious" radar is broken. My comment was clearly about liability - I specifically mentioned the site as a medium and compared it to how other mediums like ISPs and cell phone providers aren't held responsible when their services are used as a means to scam people.

When I said, "your internet service provider isn't responsible for all the emails you get from Nigerian Princes, and your cell provider isn't responsible for all the calls you get about great deals on car insurance," do you think I meant "bots can't hurt this webpage"?

And when I followed that up by saying that we ban scammers, take their threat seriously, and asked people to report them, that I secretely meant "don't worry about it, scammers and bots can't hurt the site"?

Quote by LeroyJerkins

You saying that platforms aren't at risk comes across as arrogant as you imply that a webpage can't be hurt (badly) by scammers and bots. I think that was pretty obvious.

Though the recipient of this may have no problem with it, the tone of your communication comes across as confrontational. I don't think that's appropriate in an environment where many may wish to air their views in a calm, reasoned way. If arrogance is present, it may be wise to check carefully for kettles, pots, and colour schemes first.

Quote by GreyMatter

Your "what is obvious" radar is broken.

I have to agree, based on the "I was clearly using sarcasm but you didn't pick up on it" exchange from last week.

This discussion has existed for as long as this site has existed. If you click through to past posts and threads in just about any section of the forums, you will find multiple iterations of this conversation, spanning nearly two decades.

Before AI, there was passing off pics of porn stars (or outright pretending to be said porn stars), photoshop, etc. There have been suggestions from wanting threads exposing such profiles to banning accounts who do this, to wanting to make catfishing against the rules.

Regardless of how often this conversation is rehashed, this is the sticking point: This is a site that centers fantasy and sex. As such, people come here and present themselves in any way they choose, be it honestly or dishonestly. Barring scamming/spamming, the site has no obligation to intervene because people have every right to lie about who they are on the internet. As unsettling as that is to to say and accept, it's the reality.

While as a site we have some measures in place that make it somewhat more difficult to be deceitful, these measures are optional, and therefore the onus is on the individual to govern themselves accordingly in light of the fact that people on the internet are not always who they say they are.

Quote by Dani

This discussion has existed for as long as this site has existed. If you click through to past posts and threads in just about any section of the forums, you will find multiple iterations of this conversation, spanning nearly two decades.

Before AI, there was passing off pics of porn stars (or outright pretending to be said porn stars), photoshop, etc. There have been suggestions from wanting threads exposing such profiles to banning accounts who do this, to wanting to make catfishing against the rules.

Regardless of how often this conversation is rehashed, this is the sticking point: This is a site that centers fantasy and sex. As such, people come here and present themselves in any way they choose, be it honestly or dishonestly. Barring scamming/spamming, the site has no obligation to intervene because people have every right to lie about who they are on the internet. As unsettling as that is to to say and accept, it's the reality.

While as a site we have some measures in place that make it somewhat more difficult to be deceitful, these measures are optional, and therefore the onus is on the individual to govern themselves accordingly in light of the fact that people on the internet are not always who they say they are.

There's no such thing as "the right to lie." People have the ability to lie, and the opportunity to lie, but there is no universally acknowledged "right to lie." That said, there is no "right to be treated honestly," either. One can expect, or hope to be treated honestly, but there is no universal "right" to be treated honestly.

This site's approach to dishonesty and deception can either open the door to both or serve to limit the amount of both. While there may or may not be any legal ramifications, the degree to which they strive to protect their patronage still reflects on them. I think a healthy, ongoing discussion of the matter is important, even if it was held decades ago (especially if it was held decades ago)

Quote by Racoonteur

There's no such thing as "the right to lie."

Yes there is, LOL. I don't mean "right" in a moral sense. I mean right as in a basic tenet of free will (and free speech). Your discomfort with that fact doesn't make it any less so.

This site's approach to dishonesty and deception can either open the door to both or serve to limit the amount of both. While there may or may not be any legal ramifications, the degree to which they strive to protect their patronage still reflects on them.

I concur. However, there is more to protecting our patronage than making sure someone doesn't fall for someone else's deception. In today's very uncertain digital age, privacy is everything. We choose everyone else's privacy over anyone's lack of internet savvy. I'll reiterate that when it comes to someone pretending to be someone they aren't for shits and giggles, we intervene when necessary, which is in the context of scamming and spamming. Beyond that, we make it quite clear that folks proceed with caution.

Any measures beyond the ones we currently use encroach on the privacy of others in ways that don't align with the values of this site. If those are unsatisfactory and we lose membership because we've elected to prioritize the right to privacy, then we accept that.

I think a healthy, ongoing discussion of the matter is important, even if it was held decades ago (especially if it was held decades ago)

I didn't say the conversation was "held decades ago." I said that this has been an ongoing conversation for decades. You approached this subject as if you, yourself were the originator of this "ongoing" discussion. It's been going on for quite a while. It has yet to progress beyond the desire for us to violate others' privacy in the name of making sure someone doesn't lust and/or develop feelings for someone who isn't who they say they are. I look forward to the day it does, but judging from the way you've conducted yourself in this conversation thus far, today is not that day.