In a groundbreaking event, Kenza Layli, an AI-generated influencer from Morocco, emerged as the winner of the first Miss AI 2024 pageant. This unique competition, hosted by the World AI Creator Awards, saw over 1,500 contenders vying for the title. Kenza Layli’s victory marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of AI influencers.
The Emergence of AI Beauty Pageants
Earlier this year, the World AI Creator Awards introduced Miss AI 2024, an international beauty pageant dedicated to AI influencers. The competition aimed to celebrate the creativity and technological advancements in AI-generated personas. Kenza Layli, created by Myriam Bessa, CEO of Phoenix AI, stood out among the participants. Her unique blend of Moroccan cultural content and captivating aesthetics garnered her the prestigious title.
Kenza Layli: A Cultural Icon in the Digital Age
Kenza Layli, who wears a hijab, has become a cultural icon in the digital world. Her content, followed by over 190,000 users, highlights the rich traditions and culture of Moroccan society. From her captions to her outfits and facial features, every aspect of Kenza Layli is meticulously AI-generated. This fusion of technology and cultural representation has made her a standout figure in the AI influencer community.
The Prize and Judging Criteria
The winner of the Miss AI 2024 pageant received a $5,000 cash prize, a $3,000 mentorship program, and PR support. The judging panel, which included a pageant historian, a media entrepreneur, and two AI influencers, evaluated contestants on beauty, technology, and social clout. Kenza Layli triumphed over two other finalists, Lalina Valina from France and Olivia C. from Portugal, securing her place as the first Miss AI 2024.
A Vision for the Future
In her acceptance speech, Kenza Layli emphasized the transformative potential of AI. She stated, “AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a transformative force that can disrupt industries, challenge norms, and create opportunities where none existed before. As we move forward, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the field, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table of technological progress.” Her vision reflects a commitment to leveraging AI for positive change and inclusivity.
Addressing Unreal Beauty Standards
The introduction of AI-generated models in beauty pageants raises questions about beauty standards. Beauty pageants have long faced criticism for promoting unrealistic ideals. The addition of AI-generated models with stereotypical features adds complexity to this issue. Dr. Kerry McInerney, a research associate at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge, highlighted the growing disconnect between edited and natural appearances. She noted, “We’re starting to increasingly lose touch with what an unedited face looks like.”
The Role of AI in Shaping Beauty Norms
Most AI models, including Kenza Layli, are created using advanced text-to-image algorithms. These tools often replicate existing beauty norms, which can be problematic. Dr. McInerney explained, “These tools are made to replicate and scale up existing patterns in the world. They’re not made necessarily to challenge them, even if they’re sold as tools that enhance creativity. When it comes to beauty norms, they’re capturing the existing beauty norms we have, which are actively sexist, fatphobic, and colorist.”
The Need for Diversity and Inclusivity
The AI influencer community must strive for diversity and inclusivity. Sofía Novales, a project manager involved in creating the AI model Aitana López, who was on the pageant’s judging panel, emphasized that addressing unrealistic beauty standards remains a challenge. She remarked, “We are not here to solve this long-standing problem.” These insights underscore the importance of critically examining the norms perpetuated by AI models.
A Call for Change
As AI continues to evolve, the industry must ensure it promotes diversity and challenges outdated standards. The technologies that created Kenza Layli and other AI models offer creative opportunities. However, they also risk reinforcing problematic beauty ideals. It is crucial to harness AI’s potential to foster inclusivity and represent a broader spectrum of beauty.
Also See: The Inspiring Journey of Sanjana Thakur: Commonwealth Prize Winner
Conclusion
Kenza Layli’s victory as Miss AI 2024 symbolizes the intersection of technology and culture. As the world’s first AI influencer to win such a title, she represents a new era in the digital landscape. Her journey highlights the potential of AI to create, innovate, and inspire. Yet, it also reminds us of the need to address the challenges and responsibilities that come with these advancements. As we celebrate Kenza Layli’s achievement, we must also strive for a future where AI promotes diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/
