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Influencers stand for empowerment, trends and lifestyle. But how real are influencers really? Between self-presentation, AI-generated images and enormous reach, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell what’s real.
The left image is an AI fantasy of the “perfect Swiss influencer” – blonde, flawless, interchangeable.
The right image shows Anina Mutter, a real influencer with attitude and responsibility. Photographed by Siggi Bucher for Ringier.
AI reinforces stereotypical beauty ideals – young, slim, white, seemingly perfect.
But perfection is not authenticity.
While Anina stands for genuine content, the AI version remains an empty shell: beautiful, but without stance or identity.
Permanently flawless images set unrealistic standards.
Studies show that social media reinforces beauty ideals with consequences for self-esteem and mental health.
In the past, Photoshop and skills were needed – today, just a few clicks create a “perfect face.”
The more perfect fake images we see, the harder it becomes to recognize real voices and content.
70% of young women aged 18 to 35 edit their photos before posting them online.
(Source: Renfrew Center Foundation, 2017)
Every second girl says that idealised beauty content on social media lowers her self-esteem.
(Source: Dove Self-Esteem Project, 2022)
Filtered photos receive 45% more comments than unfiltered ones.
(Source: Yahoo! Labs & Georgia Tech, 2021)
AI beauty filters often change entire facial proportions, not just skin or light.
(Source: Isakovich, 2022)
Watch for blurred edges, unnatural skin, or symmetrical perfection.
No one looks as “smooth” in real life as in an AI selfie.
Taking breaks from social media helps escape constant comparison.
Teens especially need awareness about fake perfection.
Photos become interesting
when they show people,
not clichés.
“What if perfection becomes the norm and no one is allowed to be real anymore?”
Welcome to WHAT THE FAKE – discover more image pairs, facts, and tips.
