Resulting images gave users anime-style bright eyes, bouncy hair and smooth skin, masking any real-life features that could be considered imperfect or flawed. The Japanese artist had previously stated that AI-generated art was “an insult to life itself,” and the trend sparked debate about copyright violations. Is it fair to post images that flat-out copy, within seconds, the artistic flair of another creator? Should it be allowed?
Nimko Ali, CEO of The Five Foundation and author of What We’re Told Not To Talk About (But We’re Going To Anyway) points out that there’s also a risk of relinquishing ownership of your own images when taking part in these online fads. “What is worrying, is people giving away their likeness for a trend. They never read the small print on these AI things that they give access to their phones to.”
Beyond the ethical considerations surrounding access and ownership, there are psychological implications to these sorts of trends too. Dr. Manuela Paone, clinical psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, says that internal conflicts can arise from observing “digital illusions” of ourselves. “We admire the flawless, successful, beautiful version that appears in the AI-enhanced image, and we despise the imperfect, vulnerable, human part of us that feels like a flaw or an embarrassment. Compliments and admiration from others toward our digitally modified image act as reinforcement, as validation of that artificial self,” she explains. Over time, low self-esteem can develop, even triggering cases of body dysmorphia. She encourages users to pause and reflect on their intentions before posting such images: “Is it to have fun, to play with our identity in a creative way? Or are we desperately seeking approval and validation?”
Of course, for many users, these are merely light-hearted ways to create edited images of themselves. But Dubai-based writer Kaya Scott believes it’s a “tricky landscape to navigate,” especially…
