Matthew Thomas Convert
Human systems engineering
Hometown: Chino, California, US
Graduation date: Fall 2026
FURI | Fall 2026, Needs Review
“That’s My Image But It Isn’t Me”: How Users Are Protecting Themselves From AI Impersonation
The increasing capability and accessibility of generative AI has escalated risks surrounding non-consensual imagery (NCI), fundamentally altering how individuals perceive and manage their digital presence. Beyond explicit non-consensual imagery, AI-driven visual manipulations enable widespread identity theft, impersonation, and defamatory depictions. While prior research documents the psychological and reputational harms of synthetic media, less is known about how individuals proactively defend against AI-generated imagery risks. Utilizing a mixed-methods online survey of a diverse U.S. adult sample, this study investigates how users perceive and proactively defend against AI-generated imagery risks. We examine how age, gender, and AI literacy moderate threat perception and protective strategies, identifying key disconnects between user expectations and platform safeguards. Ultimately, our findings inform the design of protective features capable of mitigating emerging AI-driven threats to better protect vulnerable populations online.
Mentor: Daricia Wilkinson
It’s hip to be square.
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