Color statistics of images created by generative AI

Article

Wang, Yujin, Webster, Mike A. and Joyce, Daniel S.. 2025. "Color statistics of images created by generative AI." Journal of the Optical Society of America A: Optics, Image Science and Vision. 42 (5), pp. B76-B80. https://doi.org/10.1364/JOSAA.545030
Article Title

Color statistics of images created by generative AI

ERA Journal ID34297
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsWang, Yujin, Webster, Mike A. and Joyce, Daniel S.
Journal TitleJournal of the Optical Society of America A: Optics, Image Science and Vision
Journal Citation42 (5), pp. B76-B80
Number of Pages5
Year2025
PublisherOptical Society of America (OSA)
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN1084-7529
1520-8532
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1364/JOSAA.545030
Web Address (URL)https://opg.optica.org/josaa/abstract.cfm?uri=josaa-42-5-B76
Abstract

Novel digital images are increasingly created using generative AI tools. However, how well these AI images reflect the color statistics of human-generated (“real”) images is unknown. We analyzed hue, chroma, and lightness distributions for image objects and backgrounds created by three generative AI models (Open AI DALL E 2, Stability AI Dreamstudio, and Adobe Firefly) and for real images (Bing image search); N = 8400 images. We found that, although AI images had similar mean hues to real images, AI images systematically exhibited statistical anomalies, including narrower tunings for hue, chroma, and lightness, and higher correlations between their objects and backgrounds. While a conscious, perceptual appraisal may consider AI images to be high-fidelity, our results indicate that AI images are underpinned by color statistics that are unnatural for visual sensation. As generative AI increasingly dominates the creation of novel digital media, we may experience a narrowing of our color diet.

Keywordsgenerative AI; color ; digital images
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520299. Biological psychology not elsewhere classified
321204. Vision science
Byline AffiliationsCentre for Health Research
School of Psychology and Wellbeing
University of Nevada, United States
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