The premise that data augmentation creates something from nothing is incorrect, in most, it takes an existing data set and extends it to handle variations. For example, taking the data case and creating cases where your model is trained on rotation and translation invariance. In another case, it could be used for balancing datasets. I guess you are trying to refer to GANs, however, in that case, the data is generated by trained model which already has seen lot of data.

Data augmentation just creates numerous variations of already existing train data more to says its simply data manipulation.

Data augmentation is a commonly employed methodology within the fields of machine learning and deep learning, serving to artificially amplify the magnitude and heterogeneity of training datasets. The objective of this approach is to enhance the generalization of the model by simulating probable changes in real-world circumstances by the application of diverse transformations, including rotation, scaling, cropping, and flipping, to the original data samples. Although data augmentation is a useful technique for reducing overfitting and improving the resilience of models, it should be noted that it does not generate new data ex nihilo. In contrast, it produces alternative iterations of the preexisting data. The effectiveness of data augmentation is heavily influenced by the selection and extent of transformations employed, which should be purposeful and representative of plausible changes within the data domain. Improperly implemented augmentations have the potential to contribute extraneous noise or misleading data, which can adversely impact the performance of the model.

Data augmentation is a technique used in machine learning and computer vision to generate additional training data by applying various transformations or modifications to the original dataset. It can include operations like rotating, scaling, flipping, cropping, or adding noise to the data.

While data augmentation can assist in improving the performance of machine learning models, it is not about creating something from nothing. Instead, it enhances the existing dataset by introducing variations that can help the model generalize better.

The reliability of data augmentation depends on several factors:

Application and domain: The effectiveness of data augmentation techniques can vary based on the specific application and domain. Some transformations might be more suitable for certain tasks, while others may have limited impact.

Quality of original data: Data augmentation cannot compensate for poor or insufficient original data. If the initial dataset is limited in size or lacks diversity, data augmentation alone may not yield reliable results.

Appropriate augmentation techniques: Choosing appropriate augmentation techniques is crucial. Some transformations, if not properly applied, might introduce unrealistic or misleading data. Careful consideration and domain knowledge are necessary to ensure reliable augmentation.

Validation and evaluation: It is essential to evaluate the performance of the machine learning model using proper validation techniques. Augmented data should be included in the validation process to understand its impact and ensure reliable model evaluation.

In summary, while data augmentation can be a valuable technique, its reliability depends on various factors such as the application, domain, quality of original data, appropriate techniques, and thorough validation. When used correctly, data augmentation can enhance model performance and generalization abilities.