The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is visible everywhere around the world. According to a recent report, by 2025, more than 62% of entertainment companies will be using AI-based tools in their marketing. At a time when people increasingly trust artists’ originality, pop star Taylor Swift has been embroiled in controversy. People have accused Taylor Swift of using AI technology to create videos while promoting her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” But the story doesn’t end there -it is just the beginning.
A Unique Beginning to the Album Promotion
Taylor Swift is always known for providing unique experiences for her fans. This time, she created a treasure hunt-like game. In this game, 12 orange gates were installed in 12 cities around the world. Scanning the QR codes on these gates allowed fans to view short video clips.
Fans had to discover a mysterious message from the hidden clues in these videos. The entire game was so mysterious that people everywhere on social media started discussing “Taylor Doors.”
AI’s hints created a stir
At first, everything seemed like a fun game, but when some fans looked at the videos more closely, they noticed some strange glitches.
In one video, the bartender’s hand appeared to dissolve into an orange napkin. In another clip, the letters in the book were incomplete. In the Barcelona video, the handles and weights on the gym equipment didn’t match.
These minor glitches forced fans to wonder. Is this all a real video or a fantasy world created by AI?
Swifties’ anger and disappointment
Taylor Swift’s fans, affectionately known as Swifties, usually support her every move. But this time, some fans seemed disappointed.
Many wrote that Taylor herself has always championed artists’ rights and originality, so using AI in her promotion seemed “hypocritical.”
One user wrote on Reddit, “Such a big star should respect real artists, not have machines make videos.”
Another fan said, “We trusted her to always stand by true art.”
Silence on the Use of AI
So far, Taylor Swift or her team has not officially confirmed whether the videos were created with AI.
However, according to some reports, these videos were later removed from YouTube Shorts. This move further fueled suspicion that Taylor’s team took this step to defuse the controversy.
AI and the Limits of Art
Taylor is not the only one involved in this controversy. In recent months, several famous artists and music companies have filed copyright lawsuits against AI companies.
Companies like Universal Music Group have alleged that their song lyrics were used without permission to train AI models.
At a time when the entire music industry is debating AI and the future of art, such allegations against a prominent figure like Taylor certainly raise a serious question: is human creativity now becoming dependent on algorithms?
Taylor’s Past and the Contradictions of Today
Interestingly, Taylor Swift herself has spoken out openly against the misuse of AI.
Last year, following an AI deepfake controversy, she wrote on Instagram that “the fear of AI spreading lies is real, and we must combat it with truth.”
Therefore, when reports of the use of AI videos in her name surfaced, people saw it as a double standard.
Fans’ Dilemma: Love or Criticism
Some fans still stand by Taylor. They say that perhaps this entire controversy is based on a misunderstanding.
One fan wrote, “Everyone is using AI these days, so why is it a crime if Taylor does?”
Another group believes that Taylor has such a strong creative team and resources that she shouldn’t have needed machines.
