Popular interior designer Cliff Tan, known online as Dear Modern, has issued a groveling apology after a promotional post featuring artificial intelligence led to threats of a fan boycott.
Tan, who has amassed over a million followers by sharing design tips incorporating Feng Shui, found himself in controversy after a paid partnership with the AI creative suite Dreamina. In a video, he stated his initial reservations about AI, noting that it "makes you forget to use your brain," but then explained how he uses it to help clients visualize designs, asserting, "AI shouldn't replace your ideas. It should help you explain them."
He further elaborated in the post's caption and comments, acknowledging that many might dislike his stance. Tan, who identifies as an "analog designer," explained that while he personally dislikes AI because it can discourage critical thinking, he believes designers must understand it to remain in control of its application in the industry. He argued that rejecting AI would allow less competent individuals to dictate its use, emphasizing his desire for designers to "remain in control of what happens next."
Despite his justifications, followers expressed strong disapproval, with many calling the partnership a "huge letdown" and accusing AI of being "theft from artists and designers." Some users stated they had lost respect for Tan and would no longer follow his content.
In response to the backlash, Tan initially attempted to clarify his position, stating he wasn't significantly compensated for the ad and felt the AI tool was genuinely useful for visualizing designs. He expressed a desire to prevent designers from being "martyrs in a world that is increasingly leaving us behind."
Subsequently, Tan released an apology video. "I'm sorry. Yesterday, I made a video on AI and it disappointed many of you and I'm really sorry about that," he began. He acknowledged that influencers can sometimes "do something kind of weird or wrong or divisive" and that those who dislike an action are "entitled to their own opinion." He also stated that the person who took the action is "not wrong" if they acted on their best judgment at the time. He concluded with the caption, "I'm sorry for using AI, and for whoever's left, thank you for not giving up on me!"
The original promotional video for the AI tool remains on Tan's profile.