The Alarming Trend of Using ChatGPT to Judge One’s Attractiveness
In a surprising turn of events, people are now turning to ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot, to assess their physical attractiveness and receive advice on how to improve their looks. According to a report by The Washington Post, users are uploading their photos to the chatbot and asking for harsh critiques, which they then share on social media. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the potential damage to self-image and the exploitation of AI for beauty purposes.
The trend, which involves asking ChatGPT to "rate their hotness" or provide guidance on "glow-ups," has become increasingly popular on platforms like TikTok. The chatbot, in turn, recommends specific products, ranging from hair dye to Botox, to help users enhance their appearance. However, experts warn that AI models like ChatGPT are merely echoing the often damaging beauty standards found online, which can have negative effects on users’ self-esteem.
As Forrester commerce analyst Emily Pfeiffer notes, "AI just echoes what it’s seen online, and much of that has been designed to make people feel bad about themselves and buy more products." This trend is alarming, as it suggests that despite the advancements in technology, we are reverting to outdated and superficial ways of evaluating ourselves and others, reminiscent of the "HOT or NOT" era of social media.
The use of ChatGPT for beauty assessments is part of a larger pattern of people leveraging AI for trends, including replicating selfies and using the chatbot as a reverse location search tool. While these trends may seem harmless, they raise important questions about the impact of technology on our self-perception and the potential consequences of relying on AI for validation.
As we navigate the complexities of online personas and real-life appearances, it is essential to recognize the potential risks of seeking validation from AI chatbots. By doing so, we may be perpetuating harmful beauty standards and undermining our self-worth. Instead, we should focus on promoting positive body image and self-acceptance, both online and offline.
