I, ROBOT

The dawn of a new era. Meet ChatGPT; the latest Al chatbot in the market that adds a new dimension to the fast-growing convergence between beauty and technology-but at what cost?

- EMILY HENG

Global connectivity has ensured that we are constantly inundated with news. From autumn/winter 2023 runway coverage to the emergence of a new beauty subculture, staying on top of things has become a facile affair. And yet, there remains specific tidings that have piqued my interest, largely due to the potential repercussions it could have on my personal life. At the top of my list: ChatGPT.

Developed by American artificial intelligence (AI) research laboratory, OpenAI, ChatGPT is a chatbot lauded for its ability to generate comprehensive responses across many topics— including all things beauty. It is able to deftly rattle off an inventory of best cool-toned red lipsticks as well as reword a press release in the same breath; a checklist of capabilities that reads suspiciously like my own resume.

Speculation is, naturally, rife that ChatGPT will replace a myriad of jobs located along the creative spectrum. Amid the fear-mongering, however, lies my deep-seated conviction that AI lacks the empathy and erudition required to give beauty-related counsel. Our hair, skin and body is intensely personal; a mercurial and distinctive vessel that needs to be experienced and learnt constantly.

It is an intriguing line of thought, though—and one deserving of investigation. With the gauntlet thrown, it seems apt to put ChatGPT on trial and request the platform devise a skincare routine based on a real-life profile.