Image Credits: Andres Siimon, Unsplash
She is not real, but she represents the new beauty standards. Artificial Intelligence and its algorithms have created her, the desired ideal woman. She is thin, curvy, has symmetrical features with flawless skin and perfect hair. AI drives unrealistic beauty ideals that pressure young women to alter themselves to fit these standards.
“She” and her AI-generated “perfect” models are setting the standards for how women think they should look. These synthetic images intensify the pressure to conform to idealized beauty norms. Social approval and self-worth are becoming increasingly dependent on how closely women’s bodies and overall appearances match those praised online.
AI distorts women’s bodies by setting a standard that is neither natural nor healthy. AI-generated perfection can harm women when there is a disconnect between their real selves and the digitally perfected images they see. Self-confidence becomes tied to how closely they resemble a fantasy and when they fall short it can have very harmful results. Looking in the mirror after viewing impossible beauty standards can negatively affect self-esteem, contribute to mental health issues and less satisfaction with their own body image. Women who are exposed to these AI images often compare themselves to these toxic beauty expectations which reinforces their disappointment and shame.
Most American adults (76%), believe that the media sets an unattainable standard for how women should look. In Vogue’s August 2025 issue, a Guess advertisement featured an AI-generated image of a model, however, many may miss the fine print in the corner of this advertisement that stated so. Young females may start to compare themselves to these unfeasible beauty standards, which can lead them to go extra lengths to change parts of their body or harm themselves to reach these beauty goals. Already at a defining time in their life, young females are especially susceptible to body image struggles. One study found that 78% of teenage girls by the time they reach seventeen are unsatisfied with their body. Teenagers heavy social media use and curated algorithmic feeds filled with AI-generated “perfect woman” images are shaping today’s beauty ideals. The quantitative aspects of social media (such as likes, followers, etc.) also contributes to this layer of comparison and acts as an indicator of social approval and attractiveness. The more women scroll through these images, the worse they feel about themselves.
Of course, AI can provide tools and creative ways to enhance how someone looks online. From offering suggestions for flattering hairstyles, makeup and clothing choices to filters that reshape or smooth features, these technologies allow users to experiment with new styles or polished looks. However, even with these enhancements, women still find themselves falling short to the flawless women they see online. This short-coming of unrealistic beauty standards can increase the risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, social isolation and also the risk of developing eating disorders.
AI poses significant risks for shaping consumers’ ideas of beauty and promoting exaggerated standards. All platforms should be required to label AI-generated images so people would be reminded that the pictures are not real but rather a generated fantasy. In addition, companies that regularly use AI should also create content that reflects human diversity and multiple body types. Further, society needs to be teaching about media literacy and equip individuals to recognize AI when they are looking at generated content.
When women are told that their worth depends on how closely they reflect the beauty standard of the perfect and unattainable image, it can destroy them, both internally and externally. “She” may be fake, but the harm she is causing is very real.
Ashley Moran is a first-year student in Exploratory Studies. AMoran850@wcupa.edu.