Gold Coasters react to AI imagined photos of their suburb’s typical resident
AI generated photos of what people from Gold Coast suburbs look like have produced mixed reactions from locals. Did the robots get it right?
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Artificial intelligence imagining how typical residents of Gold Coast suburbs look has met with mixed reaction from locals.
The Gold Coast Bulletin hit the streets with the AI generated images and descriptions to ask locals if the technology got it right.
BURLEIGH MEN:
While AI describes the typical Burleigh man as an avid surfer of Australian origin with possible diverse ancestries, locals Peter Excell and Keoma Valle only somewhat agree. Mr Excell said the Burleigh community was “very cosmopolitan”. Mr Valle thought Burleigh locals were “very chill … maybe no shoes … like a surfer”.
BURLEIGH WOMEN:
AI described a typical Burleigh woman as likely to partake in beach yoga sessions and contribute to craft markets. Locals Hannah Kosef, Renay Littleboy and Sandy Do Nascimento all said they would assume the typical Burleigh woman was blonde, beachy and dressed in activewear.
MERMAID MEN:
AI has painted a typical Mermaid man as an appreciator of nature who likely works in property or real estate. Local Andy Gardner said he would imagine fellow residents as having “fit physique and blondish hair”.
MERMAID WOMEN:
Mermaid local Monique St John disagreed with AI’s depiction of the brunch eating, retail-addicted woman who typically worked in education. Ms St John described a Mermaid woman as more family oriented and said she “would never leave the house without lippy”. She thought the AI-generated photo of a typical Mermaid woman looked more like a Surfers Paradise local.
BROADBEACH MEN:
AI has described the Broadbeach man as enjoying a blend of beach life with city amenities and golfing – probably working in tourism or in one of the many high-rises. Broadbeach local Tim O’Kane pictured blokes with “maybe a few tattoos … probably a tradie.”
BROADBEACH WOMEN:
AI has described a typical Broadbeach woman as loving lattes, yoga sessions on the beach at dawn and live music at local bars. Taralee Carter, a Broadbeach local, described her counterparts as “beachy” and “probably wearing something short”.
COOMERA MEN:
AI said a typical Coomera man worked in construction or marine services and enjoyed spending his leisure time at parks or along the Coomera river. However, Coomera local and EB Games worker Scott said he would say locals weren’t as sporty as it was a more family-oriented suburb. Another local Kasey Vessey said a typical Coomera male, “usually looks like a New Zealander”.
COOMERA WOMEN:
Exploring the Coomera River, taking part in community events and shopping at Westfield Coomera is how AI believes women in Coomera pass their time. Ms Vessey disagreed with the technology’s assessment. She thought women in Coomera were usually wearing thongs and were “a bit messy and rarely put together.” When shown the photo Ms Vessey laughed saying “she’s too pretty for Coomera”.
LABRADOR MEN:
AI envisioned a Labrador man as valuing a laid-back lifestyle and enjoying activities such as fishing, water sports and watching the sunset. However, a local who wished to remain anonymous said he thought the typical Labrador man was more likely to be found “on his balcony near the Broadwater smoking a dart”. When shown the photo, the local was amused and said the photo looked more like “a bloke from Broadbeach”.
LABRADOR WOMEN:
AI has described a Labrador woman as deeply appreciating the coastal ambience of the area and enjoying walks along the Broadwater esplanade and dining in the waterfront cafes. Labrador’s Nancy Labana agreed, saying locals were “very friendly and welcoming … love working out and exercise … enjoy having coffee … most of them love doing water sports”.
MAIN BEACH MEN:
AI has imagined a Main Beach man as a connoisseur of the relaxed beach lifestyle and upscale amenities the suburb offers, including yachting and walking along the shoreline. Main Beach local Charlie somewhat agreed saying he knew locals enjoyed walking along the beach. However, when shown the photo Charlie said he usually saw locals strolling in “boardshorts and bare feet … no shirt on”.
MAIN BEACH WOMEN:
Main Beach local Amy agreed with AI’s description of the typical Main Beach woman, cherishing her coastal home and enjoying sunrise beach walks and sailing on the weekends. “They’re usually pretty fit … she probably loves the beach.”
COOLANGATTA MEN:
AI said the Coolangatta man was a keen surfer or involved in the local surf school. He enjoyed attending the Cooly Rocks On festival and relaxing on the pristine beaches while watching the planes descend. Local Merilyn O’Dwyer thought a Cooly man would be “pretty surfy … wearing their surfy gear”. When shown the photos, Ms O’Dwyer said the image looked more like a Burleigh man.
COOLANGATTA WOMEN:
AI has described Coolangatta women as having a passion for water sports or beach activities and enjoying local music events and beachfront eateries. Residents Sam and Louise said local women were usually in “swimwear … just been at the beach, got a sarong on … maybe a couple of tattoos”. When shown the photos Sam thought they were “100 per cent spot on” but Louise disagreed: “she’s definitely on holidays here … comes from money … she looks like she’s from Byron Bay … the people that live around here don’t look like that”.
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