AI-generated videos wield Down syndrome to make sales (opens in new tab)

The crush of posts hawking resin lamps, crochet handbags and clay bowls fits into a wider pattern of AI-generated clips that seek to score sales by stirring empathy for people who have disabilities or are otherwise perceived as disadvantaged, such as Black people or the elderly. Advocates and researchers say this practice perpetuates negative stereotypes and harms the lives and business of real people. Across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, the AI characters claim they are being bullied for se...