Undergraduate Research

AI Generated Beauty: An Investigation of Same Face Syndrome

Authors: Cassandra Castro (University of North Texas) , Christy Ann Crutsinger (University of North Texas)

Abstract

AI is being used across the fashion industry to market products faster, serve customers better, and develop intelligent advertising. In fact, the world of beauty is transforming at a record pace with the use of make-up correcting apps and face-altering filters often resulting in 'same face syndrome.' The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine students' attitudes and use of AI in generating images of ideal beauty. A pre- and post-test design was used whereby an in-class activity served as the intervention. Using their personal device and Stable Diffusion, students enrolled in a Social Psychology of Dress course created images of an ideal face using the text to image function. Unpaired t-tests revealed no significant differences in attitudes toward AI before or after the in-class activity. Students did prefer a range of different looks and believed AI may create unrealistic and harmful beauty standards. 

Keywords: AI, attitudes, beauty standards

How to Cite: Castro, C. & Crutsinger, C. A. (2025) “AI Generated Beauty: An Investigation of Same Face Syndrome”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21903