The Problem with Fake AI "Photographs" of Historical Figures
Images like the ones above have recently made the rounds on social media, with claims that they depict James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok and William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody. However, these images are not authentic photographs—they are AI-generated renderings that bear little resemblance to the historical figures they claim to portray. Such images could easily have been created with a vague prompt like “two Wild West dudes,” and yet they are being passed off as authentic depictions of real individuals.
The reality is that there are only two known photographs of Wild Bill and Buffalo Bill together, and both include a third man, John Baker “Texas Jack” Omohundro. These three men traveled the country together in 1873 and 1874 as part of a dramatic production called The Scouts of the Plains. By ignoring Texas Jack and presenting only Hickok and Cody, these AI-generated images and their accompanying false narratives not only distort history but also erase an important figure from the story.
This issue goes beyond historical inaccuracy—it highlights the dangers of AI-generated media in the modern age. These images, paired with plausible but misleading text, create an illusion of authenticity that can mislead viewers into accepting them as factual. In doing so, they remove crucial historical context and perpetuate misinformation. We are quickly approaching a future where it will be increasingly difficult for the average person to discern real historical evidence from fabricated digital creations.
The accompanying AI-generated caption exemplifies this problem. It describes Hickok and Cody in a way that plays on well-known myths and clichés about the Wild West. While some details are true, such as Hickok’s tragic death in Deadwood and Cody’s later fame with his Wild West show, the narrative conveniently overlooks historical facts, such as their collaborative work with Texas Jack. It offers a sanitized and dramatized version of history designed for mass appeal, further obscuring the truth.
To truly appreciate the towering figures of history, including those of the Wild West, it is essential to turn to reputable historians and writers who dedicate their lives to uncovering and sharing the truth. If you want to learn more about Wild Bill, Buffalo Bill, Texas Jack, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, Crazy Horse, or Geronimo, seek out the work of those who have done the hard research. By consuming their work, you’ll not only uncover a richer and more nuanced understanding of history but also find yourself far more entertained and enlightened than you ever will by a couple of fake posts on social media. History deserves to be remembered accurately, and we owe it to ourselves to engage with it responsibly.
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