Australian Story: Chelsea Bonner Takes on Unrealistic Beauty Standards in the Age of AI

Australian Story is set to air an episode on ABC TV on Monday 6 May, featuring Chelsea Bonner, a former model and founder of plus-size model agency Bella Models, who is on a mission to challenge unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the fashion industry and amplified by AI technology.

Chelsea Bonner, the daughter of Australian actor Tony Bonner, is no stranger to the modelling industry and the pressures it places on body image and beauty ideals. As a former international size 14 model, she has experienced firsthand the sacrifices women make to fit a manufactured ideal of beauty. Her personal journey and her sister’s struggle with an eating disorder fuelled her passion for advocating for a broader definition of beauty that prioritises health over dress size.

In the upcoming episode, Bonner takes on a new battle against artificial intelligence, specifically the use of algorithms and image generators that create unrealistic perceptions of beauty. AI has emerged as a powerful tool for marketers and content creators, with AI-generated influencers mirroring human behavior and becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from genuine influencers.

Billions of images of women are scraped from the internet and fed through algorithms, resulting in idealised faces and bodies that are far removed from reality. These unrealistic portrayals reinforce unattainable ideals and contribute to body dissatisfaction, particularly among young women who are bombarded with these images on social media platforms.

Bonner, joined by Australian supermodel Robyn Lawley and journalist Tracey Spicer, is petitioning the federal government for greater regulations to protect both the creative industries and ordinary Australians from the detrimental effects of these distorted beauty standards. She argues that everyone is affected by this issue, as it not only threatens the modelling industry but also erodes trust in the authenticity of the images we see.

Bonner’s advocacy for healthier and more inclusive beauty ideals challenges the fashion industry’s narrow definitions and empowers individuals to question and reject unrealistic expectations.

Don’t miss Australian Story, airing Monday, 6 May at 8 pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.