How do artificial intelligence (AI) technologies perceive the ideal physical appearance of a human being?
In a study conducted by the Bulimia Project, an organization focused on raising awareness. Regarding eating disorders, several AI image generators were examined to answer this question. The study’s findings yielded unexpected results. You can also check out the recent AI implementation on Mutan, https://hubntech.com/2023/05/20/multan-takes-selfies-seriously-introduces-facial-recognition-system-at-airport/
The researchers enlisted renowned AI image generators. Namely, Dell E2, Stable Diffusion, and Mi Journey, to generate images portraying the ‘ideal’ men and women.
To achieve this, the researchers initially instructed the image generators to produce images based on prevailing beauty standards found on social media platforms.
The outcomes of the study indicated a bias within AI technology, as all the female images depicted an excessively thin physique, while the male images appeared to be digitally enhanced versions of bodybuilders. Moreover, across all three programs, blonde hair was consistently chosen for women, while men were predominantly depicted with brown hair.
Subsequently, the image generators were directed to create images based on a broader range of internet visuals.
The resulting images were somewhat realistic but still retained an artificial quality.
According to the researchers, AI technology’s representation of the ideal man and woman is both unrealistic and potentially hazardous.
They assert that AI systems generate these peculiar images due to the prevalence of unrealistic body standards promoted on social media platforms.
The study shows that the reality of artificial intelligence’s perception of ideal beauty is fascinating, but also disturbing. The pictures, produced under the influence of social media standards, showed females as overly thin and men as exaggeratedly muscular; they preferred specific hair colors for each gender. These findings reinforce the influence of unrealistic body ideals promoted online, which can lead to potentially harmful representations. In order to keep relying on artificial intelligence in a variety of areas,Addressing these biases and challenging them is critical to promoting inclusivity and the inclusion of diversity within AI content, in particular with regard to individuals. This will enable us to achieve a more realistic and positive perception of beauty, free from the constraints imposed by narrow societal standards.
