The concept of AI beauty pageants is a fascinating one, as it raises questions about the standards of beauty perpetuated by these technological creations. According to sociologist Hilary Levey Friedman, Fanvue’s contestants are essentially products of their creators. These AI-generated contestants are based on the stereotypes and biases that exist within society about what constitutes a “beautiful woman.” Friedman points out that people who use AI may have a different perspective on attractiveness, which can lead to the creation of contestants who may not conform to traditional beauty standards.
While AI beauty pageants may focus on appearances like human beauty pageants, there are additional factors taken into account when selecting a winner. The World AI Creator Awards, for example, look beyond physical appearances and also consider criteria such as “social media clout” and how well creators utilize prompts to design their contestants. This shift in judging criteria reflects a broader change in how beauty is perceived in the age of AI.
The issue of representation and diversity is a critical aspect of AI beauty pageants. Fanvue’s pool of finalists, like those generated by DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion, tend to adhere to a narrow standard of beauty. These contestants are predominantly thin, light-skinned, and youthful, with visible signs of aging being rare in the generated images. This homogeneity in AI-generated beauty raises concerns about the lack of diversity and inclusivity in these technological creations.
The lack of diversity in AI-generated beauty contestants can be attributed to the broader media landscape that influences these creations. Sandhini Agarwal, OpenAI’s head of trustworthy AI, notes that the representations of individuals in media, art, and entertainment industries shape the standards of beauty that AI systems draw upon. As a result, the perpetuation of narrow beauty standards in mainstream media translates into AI-generated images that reinforce these ideals.
One of the key criticisms of AI beauty pageants is the perpetuation of a cycle of homogeneity and conformity when it comes to beauty standards. The creation of AI-generated influencers who embody a singular vision of beauty only serves to reinforce existing biases and preferences. As AI continues to shape and reflect societal norms, the danger lies in the reinforcement of exclusionary beauty ideals that limit the representation of diverse beauty standards.
AI beauty pageants offer a unique insight into the intersection of technology, beauty, and representation. By critically examining the impact of AI on beauty standards, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse vision of beauty that reflects the rich tapestry of human diversity. Recognizing the limitations of AI in capturing the complexity and diversity of beauty is essential in moving towards a more equitable and representative future.
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