About this episode
In this episode of Beyond the Image , I dive headfirst into the AI-manipulated Bezos wedding photos — not just as a viral moment, but as a symbol of something much deeper: the collapse of trust in visual media. From AI-generated fantasies to influencers selling fake lifestyles, we are now in an era where we genuinely can't tell what's real anymore. I share my take on how this disaster is unfolding without a clear end goal, and what it means for journalism, editorial integrity, and even commercial photography. We explore: The Bezos AI wedding image: what it says about where we are and where we're headed The fallout in legacy media — including Anna Wintour's exit from Vogue How influencer culture and sponsored content are eroding consumer trust The blurring lines between journalism and commercial photography Why fake books, fake reviews, and fake authority are now business-as-usual What needs to change: accountability, universal watermarks, and ethical labeling When everyone can fake everything — what's left to believe? https://jamespatrick.com/