Artificial intelligence and image editing tools

Main Article Content

Freddy Javier Palacios Shinin
Antoni Neptalí Vaca Cárdenas
Andrés Sebastián Murillo Pinos
Cristian Paul Erazo Tapia

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital image editing tools significantly transformed journalism, visual communication, and contemporary design. The paper analyzes how these technologies optimized visual production processes, allowing everything from automatic image restoration to the generation of hyper-realistic content using advanced models such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Objectives: to analyze the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital image editing tools on journalism, visual communication, and contemporary design, evaluating both their contributions to optimization and creativity in visual production and the risks associated with content manipulation, misinformation, and ethical, legal, and educational challenges. with special emphasis on the Ecuadorian context. Methodology:  qualitative approach, of an analytical descriptive nature, aimed at understanding and interpreting the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital image editing tools on journalism, visual communication, and contemporary design. A documentary and content analysis design was adopted, which enabled the systematic examination of academic, normative, and professional sources related to the application of AI in visual production, image manipulation and disinformation phenomena, such as deepfakes. Results: the text exposes how the democratization of AI-based tools increased the risk of misinformation, by making it difficult to distinguish between authentic images and synthetic content. Faced with this scenario, technical detection methods stand out, such as forensic noise analysis and audiovisual inconsistencies, which seek to preserve the integrity of visual information. Finally, the paper addresses the ethical, legal, and educational implications of using AI in image editing. Conclusions: the need to establish clear ethical guidelines, promote transparency in automated processes and strengthen media literacy is highlighted. In the Ecuadorian context, progressive progress is recognized, although challenges related to the digital divide, regulation, and public trust in AI-generated content remain. General area of study: Communication. Specific area of study: Digital Imaging. Type of study: original.

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Palacios Shinin, F. J., Vaca Cárdenas, A. N., Murillo Pinos, A. S., & Erazo Tapia, C. P. (2026). Artificial intelligence and image editing tools. ConcienciaDigital, 9(1), 65-96. https://doi.org/10.33262/concienciadigital.v9i1.3597
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