Why is this even a thing?

I understand that art has many forms and shapes, but it is NOT theft. The fact that people are profitting off of art generated through theft in this day and age and getting away with it because copyright laws haven't been updated since as far back as 1976 in a country most famous for it's media is embarrassing.

This is not comparable to the ways photography affected art in the slightest. Nor is it 'real art'. Stealing 1 artwork is plagiarism, but stealing a 100 is as well. Just because you can't tell who the real artists are behind AI generated images doesn't mean their work isn't in there. Real art isn't dependent on other art. Sure it may follow trends and styles but it doesn't need them to exist.

The fact that this is also contributing to the whole agenda of digital art not being 'real art' is ridiculous in a world where digital art is a highly prevalent medium. I can't even believe the amount of digital artists being told they'll actually have to learn how to illustrate now that AI 'art' is a thing. Embarrassing for 2022.

And while we're at it, ARTISTS DON'T OWE YOU AFFORDABILITY. Art is not a necessity. Art is not something you require to live. I've seen many AI 'art' users say that they do it because it means not having to spend $$$ on an artwork as if they need it to breathe. Might as well go thieve from a toy store too, since theft considered affordability.

Lastly, why is more reason needed other than the fact that it's unethical?