Madeline Salazar, a 29-year-old woman from New York, has gone viral on TikTok with her creative use of generative AI to add virtual boyfriends to her selfies, making her ex-boyfriends jealous.
In a video titled “I win every breakup,” Salazar demonstrates how she uses Adobe software to digitally insert realistic images of men into her photos. The video gained 55 million views, with Salazar claiming that the clips took around two and a half hours to create. While some praised her creativity, others criticized the act as “sad” and “toxic.” Salazar clarified that the initial claim of her ex moving on was a joke, and she hasn’t used the AI for revenge.
Satirical Nature and Unexpected Requests
Salazar mentioned that the video was intended for comedy, highlighting the challenge of discerning truth online. Despite the satirical nature, she received numerous requests from people asking her to edit photos to make their partners jealous or for revenge purposes. Salazar, who works at NBC Universal, clarified that she declines most of these requests, emphasizing that she doesn’t want to contribute to making someone’s personal life toxic. While she created a YouTube tutorial on using the boyfriend generator software, she is cautious about getting involved in others’ personal affairs, stating, “If people are going to be manipulative, they’re already doing it anyway. They don’t need my help.”
Creative Use of AI and Photoshop
The video showcased Salazar’s creative use of AI and Photoshop to generate realistic images, illustrating the capabilities of digital tools in altering online narratives. Salazar’s unconventional approach drew attention, leading to both admiration for her skills and criticism for the potential negative impact on relationships. The incident highlights the evolving role of technology in shaping personal experiences and interactions in the digital age.