LinkedIn users test out AI headshots and are shocked by how realistic they are: 'As a professional photographer this makes me sad'

If it feels like artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the world lately, it kind of is. AI tools can now generate speeches, write books and even turn people into their very own anime characters. But its list of capabilities doesn’t end there.

Recently, people have also started using AI to generate professional-looking headshots to put on their LinkedIn pages or in their portfolios — and they look so realistic you might not be able to tell that they aren’t the real thing.

In one example, posted by TikTok user @crysteldbright, the virtual interior designer shares multiple headshots she created simply by plugging some basic photos into a website and letting it do its magic.

TikTok users were immediately blown away by the results.

“work smarter not harder,” one person wrote, calling her “a literal genius.”

“Girl they look GREAT to me!! I actually liked the first one the best!” another person complimented.

“I’ve seen a few of these now, and they actually turned out really really well… crazy well,” someone else shared.

Crystal’s post went viral, so she decided to share an easy tutorial on how she did it, explaining that the whole thing was fairly simple and only cost $17.

She later gave the service another try and came back with even more favorites.

Crystal is far from the only person utilizing this technology, though. Other TikTokers have been sharing their results lately, too — with varying degrees of success.

Most have been pleasantly surprised by what they’ve gotten for just $17.

But not everyone has been impressed.

Many users have also shared some AI “fails,” which could indicate that the technology isn’t exactly foolproof.

Others just looked a bit fake, not like something you’d want on your LinkedIn page.

On the one hand, a lot of people have been applauding how good these photos turned out, saying that the ease and convenience of not having to visit a photography studio — as well as pay for hair and makeup and even a new outfit — is pretty sweet.

On the other hand, critics have noted some undeniable downsides to moving in this direction.

“these are nice but as a professional photographer this makes me sad,” one TikToker commented. “I fear our profession is in danger.”

In response, many people have countered that AI could never replace the need for photographers and could actually help enhance their work in the future.

What’s more, professional photo shoots — which can cost hundreds of dollars, if not more — are simply not affordable for a vast majority of people searching for jobs. For people on tighter budgets, AI technology like this can help grant access to better opportunities and upgrade their professional websites in a quick and economical way.

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