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Comment by tehjoker | Hacker News Reader

Advertisements are already photo-shopped and completely fake. Knowing that the models are AI generated doesn't change much about that. It could actually have a beneficial effect. If young people (especially girls) know that the images they see on-screen are 100% computer generated, maybe it will reduce their effectiveness at convincing them that the ad is an object worthy of emulation.

I'm sure the advertisers will scientifically test for this effect and use whatever strategy keeps them buying though...

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> If young people (especially girls) know that the images they see on-screen are 100% computer generated, maybe it will reduce their effectiveness at convincing them that the ad is an object worthy of emulation.

You think so? Nobody ever wanted to be like Sailor Moon?

Did Sailor Moon push facial creams?

Wasn't the protagonist supposed to be somewhat of a slob?

Not creams, exactly. But Sailor Moon has always been heavily merchandised. And the Japanese name is "pretty guardian sailor moon" and she says "moon crystal power make-up" and her transformation tool has the shape of a cosmetic kit and ok I'll stop now.

To be clear, this is just the most superficial stuff. That television series was definitely pushing a certain specific and not at all enlightened standard of female behavior and beauty. Not that I think it should be cancelled on Twitter or anything, but I think it's helpful to criticize the media we consume.

Plenty of western cartoons made to push toys though, e.g. Masters of the Universe.

Or the current menace of parents, Paw Patrol. So far we've managed to avoid exposing our daughter to it, but we know it's only a matter of time.

The Precure franchise is huge in Japan and is used to sell makeup and toys to girls. It isn't exactly Sailor Moon but it is basically the same thing.

https://www.google.com/search?q=precure+toys

https://www.google.com/search?q=precure+makeup

Or, to take the canonical Western example, there's been a lot of discussion about the absurd proportions of barbie dolls.

Good point. I don't know why I ever try to be optimistic about industrial practices.

That's way too optimistic. K-pop idols are already entirely superficial and 90% fake. This doesn't stop people putting them on pedestals for things that are totally constructed.

So are western pop stars though, mostly manufactured by record labels and producers.

You're right. I had a moment of weakness and overoptimism. We really need regulations on advertisers, it's the only way to reduce the harm.

I'd love that a visit to a studio to see how these images are made be part of the mandatory school curriculum.

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