Earlier quoted context omitted.
The most important thing to keep in mind, when considering AI images for helping to illustrate or explain the actual content, is that AI-generated images have a big trust problem. Take a look at the Google Image Search results for 'Engine Diagram' https://www.google.com/search?q=Engine+Diagram&tbm=isch In the first row I get two correct-looking diagrams, then a load of AI-generated ones. Three cylinder heads for four…
To be fair, the problems you describe existed before AI, though I concede it has gotten worse. What baffles me is why anyone would think it a good idea to post and host these images? What’s that upside?
No, the problem of mass-produced, outright wrong, educational graphics flooding image-search results did not exist before 2023.