AI and Asking Before You Share

AI tools make it easy to share photos and stories fast. But fast doesn't mean okay — always ask before you share something about another person.

Some examples

• Ask before sharing a photo of a friend.
• Ask before posting a video of a family pet.
• Ask before sharing a friend's funny quote.
• Ask before letting AI use your photo to make art.

Try it!

Think of one photo you might post. Practice asking the people in it for permission first.

Asking is the kindest move

Think about this: your friend doesn't know you took a funny photo of them at lunch. You run it through an AI image tool and now it's a meme. You share it with ten people before your friend even finds out. How would that feel if someone did that to YOU? Sharing something about another person — especially using AI to change or remix it — without their permission is a big deal. It doesn't matter if it's funny. It doesn't matter if it's 'just a photo.' Every person has the right to decide how their image, their name, or their personal stories get shared. This idea is called consent — and it's as important online as it is in everyday life. When you ask before sharing, you're saying 'I respect you.' And that matters more than getting a laugh from ten people online.

• You want to use an AI art tool with your friend's photo — ask first, every time.
• Your sibling said something funny and you want to share it — get their yes before posting.
• A classmate's drawing is on your phone — they made it, you need their permission to share it.
• If you're not sure whether you need to ask, that's a sign you should ask.

Just because AI CAN edit a picture of someone doesn't mean you SHOULD without asking.

Some examples

• Ask before turning your friend's photo into a cartoon.
• Ask your sibling before making them a meme.
• If they say no, the answer is no — even if it'd be funny.

Try it!

Practice asking: 'Hey, can I make a silly AI version of this photo of you?'

Your Friend's Photo Belongs to Your Friend

AI art tools are amazing — they can turn any photo into a painting, a cartoon, or even a fantasy character. But here is an important rule: if the photo has another person in it, that person gets a say in what happens to their image. Their face belongs to them, not to you or the AI.

• Your friend might not want their face in an AI image — and that is their right.
• The AI might produce something embarrassing or surprising.
• Once an image is generated, it is hard to control where it goes.
• Asking first keeps the friendship strong.
• It is the same respect you would want for your own photos.

If a friend says no, that is a complete answer. You do not need a reason. Respecting a 'no' about someone's image is just as important as respecting a 'no' about anything else. Using AI on their photo anyway would be using them without their consent.

Making AI pictures of real people without asking can hurt feelings or feel creepy.

Some examples

• Don't make AI pics of classmates without asking
• Never make embarrassing fake photos
• If you wouldn't draw it on paper for them, don't AI it
• Ask a grown-up if you're not sure

Try it!

Think of one friend. What would they say if you made an AI picture of them? Ask them next time you see them.

Real People Deserve Real Consent

AI image generators are incredibly powerful — you can describe almost any scene and get a detailed picture in seconds. But when that scene includes a real person, something important changes. Real people have feelings, reputations, and the right to decide how their image is used. Making AI pictures of real people without asking can embarrass them, damage their reputation, or simply make them feel disrespected.

• Would the person be happy or comfortable with how they are shown?
• Have you asked them? A quick 'Is it okay if I make an AI drawing of you as a superhero?' is all it takes.
• Is the image respectful of who they really are?
• Would you want someone to make this kind of image of you without asking?
• Once you share an image online, you cannot fully control where it goes.

Photos of other people belong to them — ask first before using AI on their picture.

Some examples

• Ask your friend 'Can I make a cartoon of you with AI?' first.
• If they say no, that is the answer — full stop.
• Family photos? Ask a parent before AI sees them.

Try it!

Practice asking: 'Hey, can I use a photo of you with an AI tool?' Saying it out loud helps!

Why photos need permission before going into AI

When you put a photo of a friend into an AI image tool, you are sharing their face with a computer program — and sometimes with the company that runs it. Your friend did not choose that. Photos of people are personal: they contain their face, their expression, maybe their location or their home in the background. AI tools can analyze those details, use the image to train future AI, or produce outputs that could embarrass your friend even if that was not your plan. That is why asking for permission is the right move before you use anyone else's photo with AI. Consent means asking and truly listening to the answer. If a friend says 'no' or 'I'd rather not,' that answer must be respected — no arguing, no doing it secretly, no asking again. For family photos, a parent's permission is needed because those photos might include addresses, children, or private moments. If you want to experiment with AI image tools, take a photo of yourself with permission from a parent, or use a picture of an object.

• Ask your friend before using their photo with any AI tool
• If they say no, respect it completely — no exceptions
• Use your own photo or objects for AI image experiments
• Family photos need a parent's okay first