AI Image Generators Are Getting Better By Getting Worse
AI image generators are getting worse by design, and that shift may explain why results feel more realistic and useful.
Matilda
AI Image Generators Are Getting Better By Getting Worse
AI Image Generators Are Getting Worse—And That’s the Point AI image generators are improving in an unexpected way: by deliberately producing less “perfect” images. If you’ve noticed more flaws, inconsistencies, or oddly human imperfections in recent AI-generated visuals, you’re not imagining it. Developers are intentionally dialing back hyper-polished outputs to make images feel more realistic, trustworthy, and useful in everyday contexts. This shift answers a growing question from users and creators alike—why do AI images sometimes look worse than before, even as the technology advances? The answer sits at the intersection of realism, trust, and how humans actually interpret images. Rather than chasing flawless visuals, AI companies are prioritizing believability. And in 2025, that tradeoff is proving surprisingly powerful. Credit: Google Why AI Image Generators Are Moving Away From Perfection For years, AI image generators competed on one metric: visual impressiveness. Bigger models, sh…