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Is AI Ruining Etsy? Loosening Definition of 'Handmade' Frustrates Artists, Buyers

Tools like Midjourney make it easy to churn out AI images and list them for rock-bottom prices without disclosures, endangering the livelihoods of the real-life artists who struggle to compete.

Etsy's reputation as a haven for small, independent creators has come into question as tools like Midjourney have made it easy to list art without disclosing that it's been AI-generated, and shoppers are not happy. Another adds that their sales have "absolutely tanked" since the proliferation of AI tools: "This time last year I was making enough to purchase a home, and now I’m thinking about going to work at a grocery store or doctor's office just to pay bills." One argues it devalues the work, citing an ancient example of explorer Mansa Musa handing out fake gold during his travels, inflating the overall supply and tanking the market.

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