Exploring the Past with a Glimpse of the Future: DALL-E and Genealogy

Image created with AI DALL-E at ChatGPT

One of the features in the expanding world of AI is DALL-E (available with a ChatGPT Plus subscription of $20 per month). This is the part of AI capable of generating amazing images from words (and sometimes a little imagination). For this post I simply asked DALL-E to create an image for my genealogy blog. The image on the left was generated, and I have to admit, I really like it. AI provided me with this text to go along with the image "Here's the image created for your genealogy blog. It's designed to visually encapsulate the essence of genealogy, highlighting elements...represent[ing] the discovery and curation of family histories. This should serve well for your blog, inviting readers to explore the...content you've selected."

I was a little short on time for my post this evening, so I asked ChatGPT 4 to provide me with a bit more information on using DALL-E for genealogy. While many are jumping on the AI bandwagon, others are understandably leery of this new technology. Other than the final paragraph (and the removal of the word "that" in several places, because my high school writing teacher drilled into my head "whichery, whatery and thatery don't belong in writing, and to this day one of my final proofreads is always for these words) the text below is substantially unaltered and was provided by using the following prompt in ChatGPT 4 (Note: Upon request AI also provided me with the HTML code to create the shaded quote box displaying the text used for the prompt, saving me having to search how to code it manually):

Prompt:    

You are a genealogist learning about artificial intelligence. Provide a short blog post about creating images with DALL-E.

"As genealogists, we often find ourselves sifting through the sands of time, piecing together stories from the fragments left behind by our ancestors. Yet, despite our best efforts, there are moments and faces...remain[ing] shrouded in the mists of history, leaving us to wonder about the world our predecessors lived in. Enter DALL-E, an artificial intelligence marvel...[with] the potential to breathe life into our historical imaginations.

DALL-E, developed by OpenAI, is a cutting-edge AI program capable of generating images from textual descriptions. This tool doesn't just create art; it opens a window into worlds unseen and possibilities unexplored. Imagine being able to visualize a 19th-century marketplace as described in an ancestor's diary or the intricate details of a family heirloom...long since been lost to time. With DALL-E, these figments of our genealogical pursuits can be rendered into vivid images.

The application of DALL-E in genealogy extends beyond mere curiosity or the desire to fill in the visual gaps of our family trees. It represents a fusion of technology and history, allowing us to:

• Recreate Historical Scenes: By inputting detailed descriptions from historical records, letters, or diaries, genealogists can use DALL-E to generate visual representations of the lives and times of their ancestors, offering a new perspective on the information we've gathered.
  
  
• Visualize Ancestral Artifacts: From descriptions of clothing, jewelry, to household items, DALL-E can help visualize artifacts...once part of our ancestors' daily lives, providing a deeper understanding of their personal and cultural contexts.
  
  
• Enhance Engagement: For those sharing their genealogical findings with family members or the public, images created by DALL-E can make historical narratives more engaging and accessible, bridging the gap between past and present.

While the potential of DALL-E in genealogy is immense, it's crucial to approach its use with a critical eye. The images generated are interpretations, not historical records. They are based on the AI's training and the specificity of the input it receives. Thus, while they can add color to our narratives, they should not be considered factual representations. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding the depiction of individuals and events must be carefully navigated to ensure...the use of DALL-E respects historical accuracy and sensitivity.

For genealogists, DALL-E offers a fascinating tool to enhance our exploration of the past. It allows us to visualize, engage with, and share our historical research in new and exciting ways. However, it's essential to use this technology as a complement to, not a replacement for, rigorous historical research and analysis. As we continue to integrate AI tools like DALL-E into our genealogical work, the boundary between the past and the present blurs, offering us a unique opportunity to connect with our ancestors' worlds in a manner previously unimaginable."

As you can see, AI did a nice job providing the information I requested and included sound advice on using DALL-E to create images for genealogy. As with any AI output, reviewing it for accuracy is extremely important. In this case, AI seems to have done a fairly nice job. I  believe it's appropriate to note when images and text have been generated using AI, and I will always strive to do so (unless I've substantially changed the text output). For this one post, I used AI to create an image, HTML code and provide relevant text. At this time, AI does not have the "training" or resources necessary to do reliable factual genealogical research and citations. It is not a research shortcut. For now, AI is merely a potentially beneficial tool in the genealogist's toolbox. Once you understand the limitations and strengths you can put it to work for you (should you choose to do so).

Image created with AI DALL-E at ChatGPT