More and more people seem fascinated by the possibility of recreating and reinterpreting memory using AI, which, most often than not, looks like semi-realistic black-and-white film photography.

Apart from the obvious dilution of authentic historical images online by endless simulations, are there any other concerns with this "artistic inquiry into memory" done with AI tools?

Ask yourself a question: what motivates me to reimagine this specific memory? Nostalgia, connection to 'better times' or something else? Sometimes, it may be: I wish it were so, rather than what you can actually remember. It comforts, it soothes, it takes one to a different world where the past can be pictured perfectly, with a magic wand of DO THIS for me, please, and I will train you how. It provides a sense of empowerment, particularly when the time and the cost can be cut so much compared to producing a real photograph. No need to travel, shoot, develop, etc.

And yet, what really lacks here is experiential learning. Humans are a species that never stops learning; they take pleasure in it without realising, it is essential to their survival and psychological health. The call to create a specific photographic image is usually one that comes from one's own psyche: the mental reality that holds memories and visions. It is an invitation to go on a journey and learn what is trying to become known.

If you go, you will experience a creative boost, a sense of accomplishment that last much longer, because you've suffered for it (as in, you've taken real actions, resolved problems, avoided mistakes, found resources, and made it happen). And most importantly, you moved through space to a specific location of your choosing.

To recreate a memory, it would be logical to go to the place where it originated, experience this place, take that shot, look at it later, and try to understand what your mind was searching for. Is it closure? Is it a re-connection with something you'd forgotten about yourself? Perhaps a version of you that was left behind is reminding you of something important that can only be regained on that journey?

For the collective memory, the 'twisting of the truth' using AI is really dangerous; it can be used to create manipulative stories and fuel division. It is not new, however, now anyone can do this; every single person can choose to start flooding online spaces with their 'reinterpreted memories', contributing to the already oversaturated world of fake images. Yes, they are 'fake', but when this is what you primarily see, why would you even want to search for the truth?

Technology is evolving to create a dreamland for us to forget ourselves in, rather than "replacing mundane jobs" as it promised before we signed up. I didn't, of course, but you flow with the river, which you cannot escape. The river of sand, with less and less water left.