We acknowledge that the use of AI-generated images on AMTA’s new website raised concerns about how we represent music therapists and the clients they serve. AI-generated images tend to produce generic or inaccurate versions of therapy: idealized scenes that misrepresent what music therapy sessions actually look like. Once the issue was identified AMTA along with our web design company, replaced all AI generated images with stock photos and we released a statement acknowledging the issue all within hours of the new website launch announcement. That initial effort was significant. We know it was not enough and we have more work to do.
Some of you have asked how AI images were included on the initial launch of the new website, and we want to give you a clear answer.
The redesign was a large project. More than 1,700 pages of existing content were reviewed and reorganized into about 300, a new site structure was built, while meeting deadlines tied to our external funding. To deliver the website on schedule, work was divided into phases, with the first phase focused on written content. Options were explored for authentic imagery, but, as described below, sourcing images responsibly is complex and it was determined to initially use placeholder images and replace them during the next phase of the website. We should have explained this process more clearly prior to the website launch.
During the final website review, we asked our design company about the sources of a few images. For those specific images, the designer used stock photos and Photoshop. Unfortunately, we interpreted this to apply to all photos which was not the case. As a result, elected AMTA leadership was provided inaccurate assurances that only stock photography was used.
We are learning that there is no simple answer or practice for using images on a website that serves both to educate and advocate about music therapy and serve our members.
Images solicited from clinical spaces can bring challenges including:
- the sharing of sensitive health information.
- the question of fully informed consent and assent.
- imbalance of power dynamics.
- monitoring when consent is withdrawn.
- misuse of therapist images.
- or ways to reverse image search information about clients or therapists.
Legacy stock photo libraries are well established and have vast image repositories. The image libraries used for the new website are part of this legacy and contain no AI-generated images. We recognize that while stock photos carry less risk to our clients, students, and therapists, they have their own challenges. They can provide the wrong impression of a disability lived experience and be thin or tokenistic. Additionally, stock images can feel impersonal and lead to an inaccurate view of what music therapy really is. We acknowledge the dilemma this creates and it informs us as we move forward.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with the website and communicated with us about what you like and what needs further development.
