With nostalgia serving as the fave drug of the present, Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a gateway into discovering what our past selves may look like. Hitching on the trend of viral generated images and videos, Korean-established developer SNOW Corporation provides a throwback through EPIK’s 90s “AI Yearbook” filter.
Downloadable through the Apple and Google Play Stores, the free-to-purchase utility provides a glimpse into our 90s-inspired selves. Users are required to upload 8-12 selfies that heavily showcase their facial features on the application.
EPIK then directs its users to a portal of payment options (yes, sadly, the in-application features aren’t free), offering both standard (₱199.00, 24-hour development) or express (₱299.00, 2-hour development) versions depending on your wait preference. A downloadable album of 60 photos sporting different looks and styles—from a school jock, bookworm, artist, etc., is generated upon purchase.
Apart from the appeal of its throwbacks, the app offers photo and video edits through high-quality restoration enhancements, creative AI filters, and Photoshop-like features from the mobile device. The Internet was quick to hop on the 90s trend, with Megan Young, Bretman Rock, Maureen Wroblewitz, and more sharing their “past” variations.
AI remains at the forefront of technological advancements, including creative (and sometimes humorous) showcases. At times, the depictions range from the uncanny, chilling to the amusing.
