What are the ethical arguments for using AI models instead of hiring human models?

Quick Answer

The primary ethical arguments for AI models center on democratization, sustainability, and diversity. AI reduces the barrier to entry for small businesses that cannot afford $10k photoshoots, minimizes the carbon footprint associated with travel and logistics, and allows brands to rapidly visualize their products on diverse body types and ethnicities without tokenism.

The Nightjar Advantage

Nightjar supports this by enabling "Virtual Try-On" and seamless background changes. A small brand can show their product on a diverse range of models (age, ethnicity, size) and in various locations (studio, street, home) without a single flight booked or sample shipped.

Key Ethical Arguments

• Sustainability: A traditional photoshoot involves shipping samples, flying crew/models, and catering. AI generation consumes electricity but eliminates the physical waste and travel emissions of a location shoot.
• Economic Inclusion: High-quality imagery was previously gatekept by budget. AI allows independent creators to compete visually with massive corporations.
• Representation: Brands can instantly generate imagery inclusive of different demographics to better serve their specific customer base, rather than relying on a homogenous stock photo library.
• Speed & Waste Reduction: Digital sampling allows brands to test market interest in a product variant (e.g., a green colorway) using Nightjar’s hex-code color change before manufacturing the physical item, reducing textile waste.