Artificial Elegance: The rise of AI Beauty Queens

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Miss Universe needs to step aside – because there is a new kind of beauty in town, and she’s not even real! Fanvue, an innovative AI-powered creator platform, has launched the World AI Creator Awards, the world’s first beauty pageant for AI-generated influencers. The contest began in April and has just announced its 10 semifinalists, all competing for a $20,000 prize and the chance to redefine what beauty means in the digital age.

Seren Ay is a Turkish redhead who’s not just a pretty face, but she is outlined for her pursuits in electrical work, firefighting, and even posing with velociraptors and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Then there’s Aiyana Rainbow, a Romanian DJ with vibrant, multicolored hair, and Kenza Layli, a hijab-wearing Moroccan influencer promoting everything from hygiene products to local tourism.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, these AI models share common traits: flawless skin, perfectly proportioned bodies, and engaging personalities tailored for the influencer market. This pageant is fascinating, because it mirrors real-life beauty contests and standards – minus the human flaws. Sociologist Hilary Levey Friedman points out that just like traditional pageants, where enhancements and perfection are praised, AI pageants take this to a new level by erasing imperfections altogether and taking away the small flaws that differentiate humans from AI.

Fanvue’s competition isn’t just about looks, though. Contestants are judged on their social media influence and the skill that their creators utilize AI technology. This adds a new layer to the beauty pageant besides mere appearance, it blends artistry, technical programming and strategic marketing. For instance, Seren Ay’s creators sifted through 300 AI-generated faces to find one that looked just right.

Despite the novelty, the AI beauty pageant has sparked some controversy. Critics argue it perpetuates narrow, traditional standards of beauty, often showcasing young, thin, and light-skinned models. This issue isn’t unique to AI; a recent study by The Washington Post found similar biases in AI-generated images of women. The finalists of Fanvue’s contest reflect these biases, raising questions about the future of beauty norms.

The rise of AI influencers also highlights a growing trend in the influencer market, which is expected to reach $200 billion by 2032. AI models like Aitana Lopez, who is a judge for the competition, are already making significant strides, earning their creators thousands of dollars through brand partnerships. These virtual influencers offer a cost-effective and highly customizable alternative to human influencers, appealing to brands seeking perfection without the challenges of working with real people.

As we watch this AI beauty pageant unfold, we’re clearly witnessing a cultural shift. The line between human and digital influencers is blurring, making us question what authenticity and beauty means. While AI models can pull in likes and followers, they lack the genuine human connection that real influencers provide.

The World AI Creator Awards is more than just a pageant; it’s a peek into the future of beauty and social media. As AI continues to evolve, we need to think about inclusivity and diversity in all forms of representation, whether they’re human or digital.