Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, believes that the explosion of AI-generated content will shift the value in social media from technical quality to authenticity and credibility. In his outlook for 2026, he emphasizes that as AI tools become more accessible, creating convincing images and videos will no longer be the unique domain of skilled creators. Instead, the ability to build trust with audiences will define success. Mosseri argues that as institutions lose credibility, individual creators will gain value, allowing them to connect with followers more effectively than traditional media outlets. He notes a significant change in how users engage on Instagram. Polished, professional-looking images are becoming less popular, while raw, unfiltered content is gaining traction. Users are moving personal moments away from the main feed and sharing them through Stories and direct messages, which often feature imperfect visuals. This shift reflects a broader trend where audiences are gravitating toward content that feels genuine rather than overly curated. Mosseri predicts that as AI makes polished content easy to produce, creators will intentionally embrace imperfections to highlight their authenticity. Mosseri also highlights Instagram's response to these trends, noting recent algorithm updates that prioritize originality and clear thematic content. The platform is moving away from generic, AI-generated material and is punishing posts that lack creative intent. As the aesthetic of social media evolves, Mosseri warns that even raw aesthetics may be replicated by AI, pushing audiences to focus on the creator's identity rather than the content itself. For creators, this means utilizing technology while maintaining a unique voice, as personal accountability and consistency may become the most important factors in capturing audience trust.