Visual Representations in AI: A Study on the Most Discriminatory Algorithmic Biases in Image Generation

This study analyses algorithmic biases in AI-generated images, focusing on aesthetic violence, gender stereotypes, and weight discrimination. By examining images produced by the DALL-E Nature and Flux 1 systems, it becomes evident how these tools reproduce and amplify hegemonic beauty standards, excluding bodily diversity. Likewise, gender representations reinforce traditional roles, sexualising women and limiting the presence of non-normative bodies in positive contexts. The results show that training data and the algorithms used significantly influence these trends, perpetuating exclusionary visual narratives. The research highlights the need to develop more inclusive and ethical AI models, with diverse data that reflect the plurality of bodies and social realities. The study concludes that artificial intelligence (AI), far from being neutral, actively contributes to the reproduction of power structures and inequality, posing an urgent challenge for the development and regulation of these technologies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journalism and Media
Published
2025-07-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6030110
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Fashion and Cultural Textiles
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
63.14

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article

Visual Representations in AI: A Study on the Most Discriminatory Algorithmic Biases in Image Generation

Íñigo Marauri Castillo, María del Mar Rodríguez-González, Yazmina Vargas-Veleda
4 citations
Journalism and Media
Fashion and Cultural Textiles
63.14
article

Visual Representations in AI: A Study on the Most Discriminatory Algorithmic Biases in Image Generation

Íñigo Marauri Castillo, María del Mar Rodríguez-González, Yazmina Vargas-Veleda
article en
4 citations

Abstract

This study analyses algorithmic biases in AI-generated images, focusing on aesthetic violence, gender stereotypes, and weight discrimination. By examining images produced by the DALL-E Nature and Flux 1 systems, it becomes evident how these tools reproduce and amplify hegemonic beauty standards, excluding bodily diversity. Likewise, gender representations reinforce traditional roles, sexualising women and limiting the presence of non-normative bodies in positive contexts. The results show that training data and the algorithms used significantly influence these trends, perpetuating exclusionary visual narratives. The research highlights the need to develop more inclusive and ethical AI models, with diverse data that reflect the plurality of bodies and social realities. The study concludes that artificial intelligence (AI), far from being neutral, actively contributes to the reproduction of power structures and inequality, posing an urgent challenge for the development and regulation of these technologies.

Journalism and MediaVol. 6(3)
University of the Basque Country (ES)
Eusko Jaurlaritza, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
Gender equality, Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 0%
Fashion and Cultural Textiles
63.14
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