AI-Generated Content Cluttering stock image libraries, Frustrating Designers.

Designers are struggling with an influx of low-quality AI-generated images overwhelming stock platforms like Adobe Stock, Freepik, and Pinterest. Despite using “Exclude Generative AI” filters, many report AI content still appears, forcing them to waste hours sifting through “algorithmic landmines” such as images with distorted anatomy, blurred edges, or surreal flaws.

One Adobe Stock user vented on Reddit about downloading assets with “uncanny half-finished edges,” rendering them unusable. Others note AI-generated “Frankensteins” in Freepik’s vector library and “vintage” photo packs with eerily repetitive, flawed models. Scientific illustrators warn of dangerous inaccuracies, like botched anatomy in medical references.

While platforms benefit from AI’s volume, users argue lax quality control erodes trust. “Stock sites used to solve problems - now they are the problem,” one designer writes.

Critics warn platforms risk “enshittification”: prioritizing AI quantity over human quality could drive professionals to competitors. While Getty Images banned AI content in 2023, its upcoming Shutterstock merger raises concerns about synthetic media floods. One person said, "I spend twice as much time now trying to filter out the AI garbage. Even the exclude tag is only about 50% effective.

Calls grow for platforms to segregate AI content into dedicated categories and improve filtering. Until then, designers are training teams to spot AI - because as one user quips, “They always look like melted gummy bears”.

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