Over the last few days, Instagram users have been treated to a nostalgic flash filter that turns their photos into retro-looking film snaps. But as the hashtag #FlashFilterFails trended, it became clear that the new feature is not without its downsides.

The filter, part of Instagram’s 'Create with AI' suite, uses Meta's advanced AI technology to alter your images. While the results can look impressive, they are not just aesthetic tweaks but full-scale alterations. Users reported that their faces and even skin tones were changed in ways that seemed beyond a simple filter.

One Twitter user noted: 'Le filtre à la mode sur insta il change juste le visage en fait mdrrrrrr' (The flash filter on Instagram changes just the face, really lol). Another added: 'Tried Insta’s viral Flash filter and it has changed my face completely lol.'

These issues highlight a broader concern about AI biases. The flash filter is not just a tool for enhancing photos; it's an AI prompting you to edit your image, potentially leading to unintended or unwanted changes.

Given the risks, perhaps photographers should focus on landscape and location shots rather than faces – unless they are comfortable with letting AI decide what works best. After all, who wants their image to be subject to tech’s biases?