A Queensland pharmacist has unfortunately experienced first-hand the pitfalls of generative AI tools.

Mary Baker was shocked to see herself in a Facebook advert for herbal weight-loss medication, which featured a ‘before’ shot thought to have been created by AI, next to a real image of Baker as the ‘after’ shot.

The photos were accompanied by a fictional back story explaining ‘Sarah from Sydney’s’ success using the product:

“I have long been too self-conscious to come out from behind the counter at the community pharmacy I work in, but thanks to this miracle product, I could finally have the confidence to be myself.”

Baker – the real one – told ABC News: “At first I couldn’t help but find it kind of funny…it’s just so ridiculous.”

However, the pharmacist got “really quite angry” upon discovering more ads featuring herself appearing in different uniforms – but her main concern was for vulnerable consumers.

“I’m disgusted by these companies that are profiting off the weight-loss industry and things like body dysmorphia,” Baker said.

“That was what upset me more than anything – the thought I could be associated with something potentially causing harm to people in terms of their mental health and the way they see themselves.”

Baker has reported the scam ads to Facebook parent company, Meta.

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