TikTok might just be 2022's answer to what's in vogue and what's not. The social media platform has been changing how we tune into new trends in a way that's never been done before. Every day new trends emerge whilst others die off – it's the social media circle of life.

Some might deem the time we spend scrolling on social media to be wasted, but if you're inspired by at least one thing you see, then we'd be inclined to disagree. Here at Glasgow Science Centre, we're avid tech advocates (if you couldn't already tell), and social media truly is a form of technology like no other. We're connected in ways we never have been before, all within the swipe of a finger.

TikTok Artificial Intelligence-generated art

One of the latest trends to be taking over the TikTok trend sphere is that of artificial intelligence-generated art. TikTok recently released an AI-generator to their video filters whereby users can input words or phrases, and the AI-generator will create an image based on these.

Although we're not exactly sure how TikTok made theirs, most AI-generated art platforms work by learning specific aesthetics by analysing thousands of pictures of a particular object. Artists will curate images and then feed the algorithm, and the AI then tries to generate new images in line with the aesthetics of real-life photos that it has learned!

It's not just TikTok that AI-generated art is taking over; it's the wider internet too. Over the past year, the number of people searching "AI art" on their Google search bars has risen by 323%, proving how interested we're in this technology.

National tourism organisation, VisitScotland, were inspired by what they saw of AI-art online, so they decided to put it to the test on Scotland's UNESCO Trail to see how AI reimagined these iconic locations.

Glasgow in AI

One of these locations was, of course, Glasgow. Glasgow was crowned as the first UNESCO City of Music in 2008 – thanks to this lively city's contributions to the music scene. There's not one night that goes by in Glasgow where there's not a live gig or concert in one of the city's many venues. From iconic chants of "here we, here we, here we...go", to artists from across the globe proclaiming Glasgow's crowds are the best in the world, to world-class orchestras at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – our city is thriving.

As you can see from VisitScotland’s AI-generated image of Glasgow above - our city strikes the perfect balance of nature, walkability and awe-inspiring architecture to suit everyone’s tastes. Including what looks somewhat like the Gallery of Modern Art next to contrasting skyscrapers of the city’s skyline in the background of the AI image. While Glasgow Science Centre doesn’t feature, all you would have to do is follow the Clyde from the city centre before you stumble upon our iconic building.

The innovative potential of AI

Not only is Glasgow a city rich with green spaces and culture: but it’s also one with a history brimming with innovation.

Scotland has a proud industrial heritage, and to celebrate this and give our visitors and future innovators a chance to come up with their own ideas, Glasgow Science Centre created a permanent exhibition: Idea No59.

The potential of AI is explored in this exhibition, but AI is far more useful than just the latest TikTok trend. Visitors can explore the use of AI for cancer detection in healthcare settings, or as a means for monitoring wildlife populations and habitats.

Whether you’ll be the next AI-innovator or have an idea that you think will contribute to our rapidly changing world, then we invite you to join us to showcase how you can learn to revolutionise the future.