Miss AI competition crowns Moroccan model Kenza Layli as winner

We have already written about the Miss AI pageant, in which digitally generated models competed for the title of the most beautiful. The competition, part of The World AI Creator Awards (WAICA), was organised in collaboration with the Fanvue platform, which brings together creators of artificial intelligence technology.

The results of the first Miss AI pageant were announced on 8 July. Kenza Layli, representing Morocco, won the title and prizes worth $13,000 (over £10,000). Created by Myriam Bessa from Casablanca, the "influencer in a hijab" beat over 1,500 digital models who entered the competition.

Layli's creator wrote on the profile of the first Miss AI: "Sharing my immense joy at being crowned Miss AI @waicas! 🏆✨ A big thanks to everyone who has been with me and supported me throughout this incredible experience. This award is a celebration of all our efforts in the world of AI! Proudly presenting my country Morocco."

The contest participants were judged on beauty, technology usage skills, and social media reach. Creativity and attention to detail were essential factors. Interestingly, the jury included Aitana Lopez, the most popular AI model created in Spain. She wrote about the winner: "Kenza had great facial consistency and achieved high quality in details like hands, eyes and clothing. What truly impressed us was her personality and how she addresses real issues in the world, showing that she takes her role on the platform seriously."

The runners-up titles went to Lalina from France and Olivia C from Portugal. Created in Paris, Lalina has over 95,000 followers on Instagram. Aitana Lopez wrote about her on the contest's Instagram: "The standard of Lalina’s content is excellent. The consistency that the creator achieved in her hair, body and hands is truly impressive. Even her posture with her shoulders slightly raised to convey a slightly shy personality makes her feel incredibly down-to-earth. Very impressed!"

"Virtual traveller" Olivia C, who took third place, is followed by over 12,000 people on Instagram. The jury appreciated her "style and personality really shine through in her content, which particularly caught my eye". They also appreciated that not every photo published by the digital influencer is a selfie in front of a mirror but a moody postcard from "countries she is visiting".

The WAICA competition showcases an impressive combination of technology and creativity. However, it also fits the trend of setting unrealistic beauty standards through computer-generated "perfection". This may be a step forward for technology. Still, the Miss AI contestants and their perfect bodies, faces, and "lives" may set psychologically harmful, unattainable expectations and aspirations - for both real women and entire societies.