New York magazine surprised readers this week with a provocative cover featuring both presidential candidates standing on a scale dressed in nothing but their underwear.
The issue itself was devoted to health, not just that of the candidates, with articles and commentaries on mammograms and the latest developments in brain tumor treatment.
But the cover image using AI overshadowed everything.
It sparked a national outcry, with many calling it “grossly disrespectful,” “unnecessary,” and “bad behavior.”
The issue itself was dedicated to health, with articles and commentary on mammograms and the latest developments in brain cancer treatment. But the AI-generated image stole the show
Others were stunned that such a “ridiculous” – in the eyes of the public – cover received the approval of the magazine’s management.
One of them said, ‘Was there no one else in the room when this was approved or does everyone in there use bath salts?’
While another posted on the magazine’s Instagram page: ‘Why was this the approved cover? How bad were the other options?’
The image itself shows both President Biden, 81, and former President Trump, 78, standing on the scale as if in a doctor’s office for a checkup.
Genevieve Smith, editor in chief of New York magazine, said of the cover: “We were already thinking about how we would address the problem of this health issue disappearing halfway through the presidential campaign, while in the presidential debate the health and age of the candidates were at the center of the national conversation.”
While the health of the candidates is of great importance to voters, the public indicated that a photo like this was far from justified.
In the words of one commentator: ‘Showcasing potential world leaders (AI or otherwise) in their underwear is scandalous. Unless this is a poorly-executed analogy to the emperor’s new clothes.’
Another put it more succinctly: “We didn’t ask for this.”