Beauty ideals influenced by technology
Online content is pushing one in three women to consider changing their appearance, negatively impacted by artificial intelligence (AI) produced images featuring flawless human representations. AI-based image generators like Dall-E and Midjourney commonly depict individuals as thin, attractive, and with perfect skin, promoting unrealistic and ultimately unattainable standards of beauty.
A brand’s commitment to authenticity
In response to this troubling trend, the body care brand Dove has launched an advertising campaign firmly opposing the use of AI in creating or distorting women’s images. Dove, long an advocate for authentic beauty, holds strong in its resolve, declaring a commitment to authenticity in an era when 90% of content may be AI-generated by 2025.
Surveying the impact
To highlight this issue, Dove conducted a survey with 33,000 people across 20 countries. The findings revealed that every third woman faces the pressure to alter her appearance due to online content. Even when knowing the images are false or AI-created, this pressure persists. Furthermore, a significant percentage of female respondents believe that creating alternative versions of themselves with AI would negatively affect their self-image.
AI adds a new layer to beauty pressures
According to Dr. Alexander P. Hilpert, head of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the problematic nature of unachievable beauty standards is not solely the fault of AI; rather, AI intensifies the issue. He observes an increase in individuals, especially the youth, seeking cosmetic alterations based on these unrealistic depictions.
Parents and plastic surgeons call for clear labeling of AI content
Amid the growing popularity of AI-generated virtual influencers on social media platforms, parents have expressed concern by petitioning TikTok to enforce clearer labeling of these entities to protect young audiences from unhealthy beauty and body standards. Similarly, plastic surgery associations in Germany are pushing for legislation that mandates the marking of digitally altered and AI-generated content in social media and advertising, aiming to shield the impressionable youth from potential harm.
Beauty ideals influenced by technology
The trend of technology-generated beauty ideals is reinforcing stereotypes and narrowing definitions of beauty. Beyond the AI image generators mentioned, there are numerous smartphone applications that allow users to retouch and modify their photos to meet these illusive standards, often creating a significant disparity between digital personas and real-life appearances.
A brand’s commitment to authenticity
Dove’s stance against AI-generated perfection is part of a broader movement in the beauty industry towards inclusivity and representation of diverse body types, skin colors, ages, and physical abilities. This approach follows Dove’s Real Beauty campaign, which began in 2004 and has made waves in redefining modern standards of beauty.
Surveying the impact
The persistence of beauty-based pressure, despite awareness of image manipulation, underscores the deep-rooted nature of beauty standards within societal norms. The psychological impact of these standards can contribute to a range of mental health issues, including body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and depression.
AI adds a new layer to beauty pressures
As AI technologies improve, the line between genuine and digitally-manipulated images becomes increasingly blurred. This ease of access to beauty-altering tools creates a risk for individuals to engage in continuous self-editing to match the perceived societal expectations of beauty, potentially reinforcing negative self-perception and unrealistic aspirations.
Parents and plastic surgeons call for clear labeling of AI content
The call for clear labeling is akin to the practices in the food and fashion industries, where transparency regarding origins and production methods is often stipulated to protect and inform consumers. Major tech companies are beginning to recognize the importance of these measures, but regulatory frameworks vary across different regions, and universal standards for labeling AI-enhanced content have yet to be established.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
1. Regulating AI-generated content while considering freedom of expression and the implications for creators and platforms.
2. Balancing the benefits of AI in creativity and the maintenance of ethical standards in representation and media.
3. Addressing the mental health implications of widespread, unattainable beauty standards perpetuated by digital media.
Advantages of Dove’s Campaign:
– Promotes positive self-image and mental health.
– Encourages wider acceptance of diverse beauty standards.
– Puts pressure on other brands and platforms to follow suit in promoting authenticity.
Disadvantages of Dove’s Campaign:
– The campaign’s impact may be limited without broader industry and regulatory support.
– Pushback from stakeholders invested in AI technology that profit from creating and distributing enhanced content.
Related Links:
For more information on the intersection of beauty standards and technology, visit the following websites:
– Dove for more on their commitment to real beauty.
– WIRED for discussions on the impact of technology on society, including AI and beauty standards.
– World Health Organization for resources on mental health impacts related to body image and societal pressures.