The term "medium ugly" is resonating across the internet, often describing men who are not conventionally attractive yet possess a unique appeal. Figures like Jeremy Allen White and Barry Keoghan exemplify this, having garnered significant fanbases despite polarizing opinions about their looks. This concept challenges traditional beauty standards and provokes debates about attractiveness. Urban Dictionary defines it succinctly: "When you are too ugly for the fine, but too fine for the ugly, you are medium ugly." The term has even been applied to public figures like Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, Benny Blanco, highlighting a trend where having a “medium ugly boyfriend” is seen as aspirational.
Contrasting sharply with the acceptance of "medium ugly" is the intense and problematic world of "looksmaxxing." Rooted in online communities, this extreme pursuit of beauty involves rigorous personal modifications—from skincare routines to surgical enhancements—driven by an obsession with achieving an idealized form. This phenomenon underscores the dangerous lengths to which societal pressures can push individuals to conform to unrealistic physical criteria.
Similarly, the term "borderline ugly" has gained traction on TikTok, leading to a reevaluation of beauty icons from past decades. High-profile figures once celebrated for their looks, like Gisele Bündchen and Kate Moss, are now scrutinized for features that deviate from current ideals. This conversation has expanded to include contemporary celebrities such as Sydney Sweeney, who, despite widespread acclaim, has faced criticism over her appearance. Influencers like Stephanie Lange have embraced this label, arguing that "being borderline ugly and embracing your individuality is hot and cool."
In her discussions, Stephanie shares her own struggles with facial confidence, reflecting a broader issue many face due to relentless beauty standards. She argues for the value in embracing one's unique features, finding beauty in what some might consider imperfections.
While some may find solace in labeling themselves as "borderline ugly" to defy conventional standards, this approach underscores a deeper societal problem. The rapid pace at which new beauty trends emerge on platforms like Instagram and TikTok exacerbates the cycle of aesthetic one-upmanship. The prevailing narrative, "you're not ugly, you're just poor," highlights the inaccessibility of these beauty ideals, which often require significant financial investment. This struggle is particularly pronounced for those who identify as "medium ugly," navigating a space where societal pressures and beauty standards feel just out of reach.
However, true liberation from these oppressive standards isn't about rejecting beauty but understanding its inherent subjectivity. By recognizing that these ideals are not only fleeting but also fundamentally flawed, we can start to appreciate beauty in its most authentic and individualized forms.
An exchange on Reddit, hits the nail right on the head. On the r/evilautism subreddit, a user named “brackishspit” posted, “WHY do some people say they like “medium ugly men” or men who are “a little ugly?” It genuinely baffles me…If I was dating a guy and found out he likes girls who are “a little bit ugly” that would KILL me.”
The top comment by Crus0etheClown responds, “I used to be one of these types- I realized later on it wasn't 'ugliness' I was attracted to, I had just been convinced by the media that anything not matching their version of beauty was 'ugly'. I already knew I preferred the opposite of what they wanted me to- I just didn't realize they made me internalize a shitty way of describing it.”
AI technology, surprisingly, offers a promising solution to these issues. During the development of Iris Dating's AI, we experienced a series of profound revelations. Initially, there was a moment of awe when the AI began to accurately predict each developer's preferences, providing recommendations that seemed to deeply understand individual tastes, even for those who might consider themselves "medium ugly." This was our first "wow" moment — seeing the AI in action and realizing, "Holy s-, this really works!"
However, the true epiphany came shortly thereafter. As developers shared their AI-curated ideal types, it became evident just how diverse our perceptions of attractiveness were. Each preference revealed through the AI was unique, reflecting a wide array of attributes and qualities that were appealing to each individual. This diversity in tastes was startling and led to a second, more significant "wow" moment. It highlighted a crucial lesson: we are often so entrenched in our own standards of beauty that it's genuinely shocking to realize these standards aren’t shared universally. Ultimately, it's quite intriguing that developing breakthrough AI technology has helped us rediscover the age-old truth that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Following our successes with Iris Dating, we created BestLOOK.ai to cater to those seeking cosmetic enhancements in a booming beauty industry. Unlike traditional methods that might encourage conformity, BestLOOK.ai uses AI to emphasize and enhance individual features, advocating for a personalized approach to beauty. BestLOOK.ai is revolutionizing cosmetic enhancements with its advanced AI technology that tailors recommendations to individual preferences and physical traits. By analyzing thousands of facial features and leveraging feedback from over three million users, our platform pinpoints potential enhancements that would harmonize best with each user's unique facial structure.
Our technology’s strength lies in its ability to reflect a diverse array of real opinions on attractiveness, offering a truly customized approach. This isn’t about conforming to fleeting beauty standards or transforming into someone else. It’s about subtle, personalized enhancements that enhance the natural balance and harmony of your features. The goal is to help each person look their best, respecting and enhancing their individuality—not reshaping their identity.
As we navigate complex perceptions of beauty, AI emerges as a tool for personalization, not standardization. It promises to repair our fraught relationship with beauty by helping individuals embrace and enhance their unique features. However, the advent of generative AI, which creates idealized, unrealistic AI companions, complicates this progress. While such technology impresses with its capability to generate 'perfect' faces, it risks setting new, unattainable standards that undermine our appreciation for natural beauty.
In contrast, the predictive AI developed by the Iris Network, including products like BestLOOK.ai, aims to enhance people's lives by respecting and celebrating their personal tastes. This technology offers personalized suggestions based on individual preferences and features, fostering confidence and self-acceptance without imposing a standardized ideal.
Looking ahead, the challenge is to ensure AI in beauty prioritizes enhancing personal traits over creating perfection. The goal is to use AI to foster an inclusive beauty culture that celebrates diversity and empowers individuality, steering clear of perpetuating unattainable beauty standards.