Created by：Yunqi Zhang, Yunxi Liu, Yi Yuan, Xueling Gu, Mengfan Yin
Overview：You, As Seen by AI explores how generative AI reconstructs regional identities through visual stereotypes. Focusing on two contrasting Chinese regions—Henan and Shanghai—the project investigates whether AI image generators reproduce existing social perceptions when given the same neutral prompt. By comparing outputs across multiple AI platforms and experimenting with prompt interventions, the group reveals how algorithmic systems compress diverse regional identities into simplified visual templates associated with class, age and urbanity. Rather than objectively representing reality, the project demonstrates how AI actively participates in shaping cultural narratives and reinforcing regional stereotypes within digital platform
Created with：OpenAI Codex, Google Gemini, Claude Code, CapCut, Kling
Concept
Poster description: You, As Seen by AI visualises how generative AI transforms regional identity into a set of recognisable stereotypes. Using the same prompt with only the region changed, the poster contrasts AI-generated portraits of people from Henan and Shanghai, revealing how age, class, occupation and place are encoded into seemingly neutral outputs. Rather than reflecting reality, these images expose how algorithms reproduce existing social hierarchies through data and platform logic. The work encourages viewers to question what AI makes visible, whose identities become the default, and how algorithmic systems shape our understanding of people and place.