During my high school years, in a burst of youthful rebellion, I wrote about a society where everyone, men and women alike, were devoid of hair. This imagined world aimed to symbolically erase gender disparities in an effort to combat the glaring inequalities that were already evident to my teenage self. This naive vision of a world without conspicuous physical differences resonates today with my inquiries into artificial intelligence and its impact on our perception of beauty. Artificial intelligence, despite its vast promises, also carries the risk of perpetuating and even exacerbating human stereotypes, as highlighted by a recent UNESCO study. In this complex landscape, initiatives like Dove’s take on added significance. By firmly committing not to use AI to "create or distort the image of women," Dove reaffirms the importance of aligning technology with the fundamental ethical principles of our society, thus strengthening its historic commitment to authenticity. However, I would like to contrast this stance with a use of AI that I find particularly shocking: the Miss AI contest organized by the World AI Creator Awards in partnership with the Fanvue platform. This competition, by perpetuating sexist stereotypes, not only reinforces an unattainable image of beauty but also exacerbates female discontent. As Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, points out, these new AI applications have the power to subtly shape the perceptions of millions. Even slight sexist biases can therefore significantly amplify inequalities. Conversely, if properly directed, AI could play a transformative role in neutralizing these biases. My intention is not to demonize all AI creations. When well-mastered, this technology offers artists, like @ai_transition, the opportunity to highlight gender diversity. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and critical of AI uses that may perpetuate inequalities. Vanessa Nurock wisely reminds us: the apparent neutrality of AI can too easily lead us to trust it blindly. Yet, this neutrality can mask AI's capacity to reproduce and amplify our own biases. As a creator, I strive to constantly rethink the use of AI, not only in the artistic field but also in our everyday lives. The real question, therefore, is: how can we use AI to enrich rather than diminish our humanity?

Dimitri Daniloff

 

Photos © AI transition