Among social media platforms where visuality is at the forefront, Pinterest is an important platform that tries to attract attention with original content production. However, the rise of artificial intelligence has become a factor that directly affects this search for originality. The abundance of artificial intelligence-generated content, especially in certain categories, directly affects the user experience. At this point, Pinterest announced a new content moderation tool.
The new feature allows users to determine which types of content they want to see less of. The concentration of artificial intelligence-generated content in categories such as beauty, art, fashion and home decoration has led to the creation of a special intervention area in these areas. This may make it easier for algorithms to better align user preferences with recommendation systems. In addition to all these, it is also an important development that the user can determine what content he/she will encounter and to what extent. Because these types of settings that directly affect the user experience can also increase the interaction level of the platform.
Pinterest offers a new control screen so that users can reduce the content they do not want to see
This control tool, called Tuner, is located in the “edit suggestions” menu under the “GenAI Interests” tab. The feature is currently active for Android devices and the desktop version. This feature will be gradually delivered to iPhone users within a few weeks. This transition process shows that Pinterest is trying to balance its user base regardless of device. On the other hand, not offering the tool simultaneously on all devices may create access problems for some users. Despite this, the fact that the company keeps iOS users waiting can be explained by the technical adaptation process.
Although the new setting tool offers the opportunity to reduce artificial intelligence content, it does not completely eliminate these content. Because the system only works on images tagged as “suitable”. The algorithm cannot intervene in content that it cannot detect was created with artificial intelligence. This means that users may still be presented with artificial intelligence-generated visuals. Therefore, this setting is far from providing a complete filtering function. However, leaving some control to users can provide a balance in the flow of content.
Pinterest launched a tag system last year to make content produced with artificial intelligence more visible. As of May 2024, the “AI modified” label began to appear in the lower left corner of such content. It was stated that the labeling process was carried out automatically by algorithms. However, the company also announced that it has made some visual improvements to make these labels more prominent. Whether the tags are noticed by users remains a controversial issue. Because it is very easy to miss such tags on a visual-oriented platform.
This development can be read as part of Pinterest’s effort to refine its user experience. An effort is being made to establish a decision mechanism as to what level of visibility artificial intelligence-generated content will be. As users have more say in the flow of content, the experience shaped by algorithms can become more personalized. This personalization can be very useful, especially for users with specific interests. On the other hand, the fact that artificial intelligence content cannot be fully filtered raises questions about the reliability of the platform. This aspect of content moderation seems likely to be discussed more in the coming period.
This setting offered by Pinterest can be considered as an example of social media users’ attempts to increase control over content. However, the fact that such tools are only valid in limited categories may limit the overall user experience. In particular, the proliferation of artificial intelligence-generated content across the platform necessitates more comprehensive control tools. Therefore, the company can be expected to expand this tool to more categories in the future. Improvements based on user feedback can shape this process. All of this signals a new evolution towards content security on social media platforms.
On the other hand, these developments are not unique to Pinterest. Other platforms have similarly begun to develop tools to limit or tag AI content. This creates a trend towards increasing users’ trust in content sources. Information about how and by whom the content is produced is now more important in the digital world. Pinterest’s control tool should be read as a solution arising from this need. It is likely to see more advanced versions of similar vehicles in the future.
As the influence of artificial intelligence content on visual platforms increases, it becomes even more critical for users to decide what content they want to see. For this reason, the filtering and control tools offered by platforms such as Pinterest are among the elements that reshape the user experience. However, the fact that all these tools target only certain content may ignore the inclusivity of artificial intelligence. In this context, the breadth of the user’s control area is as important as transparency in content production. The system Pinterest currently offers should be considered as the first step in this control.
While Pinterest offers its users new tools to determine their content preferences, it also determines the limits of these tools. The fact that artificial intelligence content cannot be completely blocked brings the technical limits and ethical lines of the platform to the agenda again. It is important for users to make more conscious choices and for content producers to act more transparently for the healthy functioning of this process. Each new feature developed turns the user into a selective and guiding actor, not just a consumer. The proliferation of such conscious uses in the world of digital content can directly affect the evolution of platforms.