‘Silent Plastic Women’: Representations of Gender in China’s AI Industry

Abstract In China’s rapidly evolving artificial intelligence ( AI ) landscape, AI imaginaries, the collective visions and narratives that shape how AI is conceptualized and integrated into society, play a crucial role in defining gender representation. Digital entities and humanoid robots dominate social media, reinforcing cultural ideals. Often hyper-feminized, these AI constructs reflect and shape societal expectations of femininity, reinforcing traditional gender norms while also sparking crucial discussions about gender and technology. Their portrayal highlights the intersection of gender with technology, influencing public perceptions and interactions. These AI entities raise significant ethical questions about the objectification and commodification of the female form in the digital age. By blurring the lines between humans and machines, they challenge existing gender dynamics and demand a re-examination of the role of gender in a rapidly digitizing society. These constructs are not only technological tools but pivotal elements in the ongoing negotiation of social identity and gender relations.