人脸分析算法审美观的规训与偏向:基于计算机视觉技术的智能价值观实证研究

陈昌凤, 师文

国际新闻界 ›› 2022, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3) : 6-33.

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国际新闻界 ›› 2022, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3) : 6-33.
本期话题/算法研究

人脸分析算法审美观的规训与偏向:基于计算机视觉技术的智能价值观实证研究

作者信息 +

Discipline and Bias in the Aesthetics of Face Analysis Algorithms:An Empirical Research on AI Values Based on Computer Vision Technology

Author information +
文章历史 +

摘要

在人工智能正越来越多地辅助人类进行决策的背景下,算法的价值判断行为值得学术界关注。本研究聚焦于人脸分析算法的审美价值判断行为,选取智能化人脸分析应用Face++作为研究对象,使用1247张在控制环境下拍摄的人脸正面视图对Face++中的“颜值评估”及“人脸美化”算法进行逆向测试。研究使用计算机视觉技术计算目标人脸的视觉年龄、瘦削程度、肤色白皙程度等面部属性,计算其与算法“颜值评估”结果的关联,并比较“人脸美化”算法是否带来上述属性的显著改变。结果证实“颜值评估”算法推崇“瘦、白、幼”的片面审美观,而“人脸美化”算法将这种单一的审美偏好付诸自动化的美学实践。在上述发现的基础上,研究进一步探讨了算法审美价值背后的意识形态偏向、算法与人类审美实践相交互的运作逻辑。

Abstract

When artificial intelligence is more widely used for assisting humans in making decisions, the value judgment behavior of algorithms deserves the attention of the academic community. This study focused on the esthetic preference of the face analysis algorithms. We chose intelligent face analysis application Face++ and used 1,247 frontal photos of faces taken in a controlled environment to reverse-test the “beauty evaluation” and “face beautify” algorithms provided by Face++. Research found that the algorithm value judgment inherited social value preference and discipline human beings. The study used computer vision technology to calculate the visual age, thinness, and whiteness of faces, and explored their correlation with the automatic “beauty evaluation” score, and examined whether the “face beautify” algorithm results in significant changes to the above attributes. The results confirmed that the “beauty evaluation” algorithm promotes the aesthetics of “thin, white, and young”, and the “face beautify” algorithm further puts this aesthetic preference into an automated aesthetic practice, strengthening the existing preference. Based on the results above, the research further explores the ideological preference behind the aesthetic value of algorithms, and the operational logic of the interaction between algorithms and human aesthetic practices.

关键词

智能算法 / 算法伦理 / 算法价值观 / 计算机视觉 / 计算传播学

Key words

AI algorithms / algorithmic ethics / algorithmic values / computer vision / computational communication

引用本文

导出引用
陈昌凤, 师文. 人脸分析算法审美观的规训与偏向:基于计算机视觉技术的智能价值观实证研究[J]. 国际新闻界. 2022, 44(3): 6-33
CHEN Changfeng, SHI Wen. Discipline and Bias in the Aesthetics of Face Analysis Algorithms:An Empirical Research on AI Values Based on Computer Vision Technology[J]. Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication. 2022, 44(3): 6-33

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Human physical characteristics and their perception by the brain are under pressure by natural selection to optimize reproductive success. Men and women have different strategies to appear attractive and have different interests in identifying beauty in people. Nevertheless, men and women from all cultures agree on who is and who is not attractive, and throughout the world attractive people show greater acquisition of resources and greater reproductive success than others. The brain employs at least three modules, composed of interconnected brain regions, to judge facial attractiveness: one for identification, one for interpretation and one for valuing. Key elements that go into the judgment are age and health, as well as symmetry, averageness, face and body proportions, facial color and texture. These elements are all Costly Signals of reproductive fitness because they are difficult to fake. However, people deceive others using tricks such as coloring hair, cosmetics and clothing styles, while at the same time they also focus on detecting fakes. People may also deceive themselves, especially about their own attractiveness, and use self-signally actions to demonstrate to themselves their own true value. The neuroscience of beauty is best understood by considering the evolutionary pressures to maximize reproductive fitness.
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Introduction: With the rise of camera phones, selfie-taking has become a normative part of our modern culture. However, little is known about how this behavior may relate to eating disorder (ED) characteristics, particularly in those who already have eating disorder symptoms of clinical severity. The current study investigated how selfie-posting and selfie-taking with no intention of posting online (offline selfies) were related to ED symptoms. Method: A total of 152 females (average age 22.44 years) with ED symptoms of clinical severity completed self-report questionnaires measuring selfie-frequency (online and offline), frequency of non-selfie photo posting, social networking site use, body dissatisfaction, body checking, ED symptom severity, self-esteem and body avoidance. Responses were collected via an ED social community. Results: No direct relationship, or indirect association via body dissatisfaction, was found between selfie behavior and ED symptom severity. However, the more offline selfies an individual took, the more frequently they body checked, and this, in turn, was related to greater ED symptom severity. Conclusions: These results suggest that offline selfies may be a modern form of body checking. Our findings are the first to imply that offline selfie-taking may be a problematic behavior and a potential maintenance factor for individuals with severe ED symptoms.
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注释 [Notes]

1. 库布里克式的科幻构想:库布里克于1968年拍摄科幻电影《2001太空漫游》,电影中有一台名为“HAL9000”的智能电脑,该电脑试图进行自主决策并导致四名人类丧生。

2. “电车难题 ”:一项伦理学领域的著名思想实验,来自于1967年菲利帕·福特发表的《堕胎问题和教条双重影响》。其问题是:当一辆失控的电车即将冲向前方轨道上的五个人时,有一个拉杆可以使电车开上另外一个轨道,该轨道上有一个人,是否应该拉动拉杆?

基金

国家社科基金重大项目“智能时代的信息价值观引领研究”(18ZDA307)

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