Being Attractive Will No Longer Be an Advantage in the Content World

AI avatars will help level out the creator playing field — which could be good news for the overlooked.

Pretty people have been making more than the average chump (like me) for a long time.

It’s an unfair advantage given to them by nature. However, something unnatural is coming to take away their edge.

I’m not just writing this out of spite — there’s some research to back this claim. Apparently, people see attractive folks as more trustworthy, so lookers are more likely to get promoted (and hired in the first place.)

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, attractive people make about $230,000 more than Average Joes over their lifespan.

And that’s just the average. There’s no doubt that good-looking streamers can make some serious bank, mostly just for looking good. (OnlyFans is a good example of how this works. Take a look at the top ten earners on that platform — do you see any ugly people?)

My point is, if two people — one hot and the other meh — recorded videos of themselves balancing a pencil on their nose, which do you think would earn more from views?

The power of perception

I see this in the content world all the time. Whether painting a picture or posing for the camera, personal image carries a lot of weight toward an artist’s success.

People like to get to “know” the artist behind the work, and that can sometimes become an infatuation all its own. They are paying for the creator as much as they’re paying for their creations in many cases.

Well, listen here, all you natural beauties earning money for existing: AI is coming for you.

I’m seeing more companies using artificial intelligence avatars, whereas a pretty person would’ve been hired for the gig in the past. Static AI images have been used in ads for a while now (you may not have even noticed), and AI “actors” are being rolled out now, too.

We’ve already seen one example of an influencer who virtually cloned herself using AI to make more money online. There are already sites where anyone can choose an avatar and feed it a script.

If they can get away with it (and they will), companies will swap high-paid spokesmodels for AI ones. If we’ve learned anything, we’ve learned that corporations will cut costs any way they can — and that includes replacing humans.

The AI industry is moving incredibly fast, and you can bet big companies are investing money into it. In fact, according to Forbes, more than 64% of business owners believe artificial intelligence will boost their customer relations.

On the flipside, theoretically, regular people can also create an attractive avatar for video job interviews and/or work meetings.

I’ve worked for a few clients for years and never met them in person, so if the AI is convincing enough, no one will know the difference as long as you’re completing the work asked of you.

‘Imagined’ influencers are coming

So what am I saying, exactly? I’m suggesting any job that puts weight on looks — whether it’s an actor/actress, model, salesperson, or an OnlyFans adult content creator — might have some artificial competition soon.

Anyone with some knowledge and experience with the newest AI tools can create someone beautiful to represent them, whether we’re talking about a company looking for new spokespeople or an individual looking to monetize their selfies.

Having looks alone will not be enough to separate you from the crowd.

Naturally, attractive people will have to work harder at building their brand, developing talent, and learning professional marketing.

Because the internet will soon be flooded with “influencers” that are dreamed up by machines — and people will no doubt pay for it.

Influencers might also find themselves battling unauthorized online clones, as people can easily fool viewers with an AI copy. All creators need is a picture of the model’s face/body, and the algorithms can do the rest.

You might scoff at all this, but keep in mind where we were just a few years ago — the AI tech we have right now didn’t exist. There will soon come a day where you won’t be able to tell a human from a digital generation in a television commercial, and eventually in a blockbuster movie.

Millions of people will pay a robot to perform for them on their phone/laptop screen, and they will be able to carry a conversation with them. (AI girlfriends are already a thing.) They are also more likely to buy something from a pretty face on the screen, which means AI will soon take over sales roles.

So, all you guys and gals who won the attractiveness lottery, your time may be coming.

I’m not saying that pretty people will be at a disadvantage in the future — they’ll still enjoy all the perks of being hot in their everyday lives (like people rushing to their assistance.)

However, AI will allow average-looking people with a vivid imagination and a taste for capitalism to earn more subscribers.

Suddenly, online hotties might find themselves competing for attention against 45-year-old Ted down the street who has created a compelling (and convincing) avatar.

We have stepped into a new era, and it’s arrived before most people were ready for it. People will have to be more discerning about who they’re subscribing to online — unless they don’t care.

Prettiness sells, and creators don’t have to be pretty anymore to reap the benefits — which is good news for people like me (but not you, you’re beautiful!)