Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode: BEST OF HMS PODCASTS - MONDAY - May 26, 2025
Title: Watching AI Beauty Pageant Makes Us Think Weird Science Is Happening
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In this standout episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS) podcast, the hosts delve into the intriguing and controversial topic of AI-generated beauty pageants. The discussion centers around the implications of artificial intelligence in redefining beauty standards, its impact on society, and the psychological effects on young individuals. With contributions from hosts John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, the episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of "Weird Science" and its intersection with modern beauty ideals.

AI Beauty Pageants: A New Frontier

The conversation kicks off with an enthusiastic introduction of a recent AI Beauty Pageant, highlighting the unnerving advancements in artificial intelligence and its ability to create hyper-perfect models. The hosts express mixed reactions, blending awe with concern over the potential societal repercussions.

Notable Quote:
“If I was teenage Johnny, this messes me up for everything. Like you talk about the standard for beauty being detrimental to a young girl's health. Wait till these chicks start showing up on the reg.”
— Unknown Speaker 1 [02:15]

Impact on Youth and Mental Health

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how AI-generated beauty standards can adversely affect young people's self-esteem and body image. The hosts draw parallels between current trends and past media influences, emphasizing that AI's precision in crafting "perfect" appearances could exacerbate existing pressures.

Notable Quote:
“Dennis Miller said it years ago about virtual reality, that if you could get a helmet and have virtual sex with a supermodel, it's going to make crack look like Sanka. This stuff is, is about to do massive amounts of mental damage to a bunch of young boys.”
— Unknown Speaker 1 [03:28]

Comparison to Traditional Media Influences

The hosts reminisce about earlier influences like the "Saved by the Bell" era and the evolution of lingerie catalogs, noting that while beauty standards have always been skewed, AI takes it to an unprecedented level. They argue that unlike human models, AI creations can be tailored to adhere strictly to unrealistic ideals without any of the natural variance seen in real people.

Notable Quote:
“I did massive beat downs to those weird magazines that I think turned into Victoria's Secret. But at the time, Adam and Eve would send these booklets of women in their underwear. And it was kind of porno.”
— Unknown Speaker 1 [06:11]

Societal Consequences and Real-World Interactions

The episode transitions into a dialogue about how reliance on AI-generated beauty standards might distort real-life relationships and social interactions. The hosts speculate that individuals might prefer AI "perfect" partners over real people, leading to decreased social skills and increased isolation.

Notable Quote:
“AI Beauty pageant. It's out there. And you're just, you know, another reason to go through your kid's phone today and make sure that he's, that's mentally unstable. You're not gonna make it through life.”
— Unknown Speaker 1 [09:58]

Body Positivity Movement Critique

Contrary to the ongoing body positivity movement, the hosts argue that AI beauty standards are not genuinely inclusive. They point out the absence of diverse body types in AI-generated models, suggesting that the technology instead reinforces a narrow definition of beauty.

Notable Quote:
“We still want this image of perfection. Just got worse. It just got a lot worse.”
— Unknown Speaker 1 [24:15]

Humorous Take on Unrealistic Standards

Amidst the serious discourse, the hosts inject humor by imagining the absurdity of AI models tailored to individual fantasies, highlighting the impracticality and potential social awkwardness such creations would introduce.

Notable Quote:
“That's like building a Saab at a Ferrari dealership. What are you thinking, stupid?”
— Unknown Speaker 1 [15:18]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a consensus that while AI advancements in beauty standards are technologically impressive, they pose significant risks to mental health and societal norms. The hosts advocate for a more balanced approach that values diversity and authentic human interactions over artificial perfection.

Notable Quote:
“Ladies, check yourself into one of those giant hospitals for special people. Really take a look at yourself because this is wrong.”
— Unknown Speaker 1 [23:07]

Key Takeaways

• AI Beauty Standards: AI-generated models are pushing beauty standards to unrealistic heights, potentially harming young people's self-esteem.

• Mental Health Risks: The precision of AI in crafting perfect appearances may lead to increased mental health issues among youth.

• Societal Impact: Preference for AI-created partners could result in diminished social skills and isolation in real-world interactions.

• Body Positivity: Contrary to promoting diversity, AI beauty pageants are criticized for maintaining narrow beauty definitions.

• Humorous Critique: The hosts use humor to underscore the absurdity of AI perfection, making the discussion engaging and relatable.

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence in shaping beauty standards. Through insightful dialogue and candid reflections, the hosts illuminate the complex interplay between technology, societal expectations, and individual well-being.