While scrolling my Facebook wall, I noticed several posts from my Facebook friends about these AI Figurines. The images are stunning and even caught my attention. The growing trend of AI-generated face figurines, those shiny, toy-like avatars people are sharing across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and beyond, has become trending in just a very short span of time.
It is now posted on almost every wall of our social media platforms. I even tried it on myself, with my photos using the AI Gemini, and honestly, I was amazed when I tried it myself! Filipinos are most likely among those who love this kind of instant yet customized photo editing through AI. Siyempre, we love anything instant and customizable!
What makes this trend a trending trend?
I begin to think about the upside of this kind of trend in our current world, where technology has become our everyday tool to thrive and to survive. And these are the things that cross into my mind.
First is that it promotes Creative Self-Expression. People are reimagining themselves as digital dolls, digital superheroes, and digital figure, complete with unique outfits, accessories, or fantasy edits, which makes for fun and highly shareable content. Who would not love to post a photo of themselves looking sexy and young in a figurine look?
Second is for Nostalgia. This trend taps into childhood memories of toys and collectibles, but through a modern AI lens. Looking back to the Power Ranger era, Daimos and Ghost Fighter memories when you imagined yourself to be one of those characters or dressed like one, and now you can do it for free.
Third is Wider Participation. AI tools like ChatGPT, YouCam AI Pro, and others enable even non-technical users, or let's say the non-techy ones, to generate these stylized figurines in just seconds and could post them on their walls instantly.
And fourth is Accessibility and Personalization. This is “yourself, but cooler”; users get customized avatars that reflect their identity or fantasies. Social engagement and popularity are no longer for celebrities alone; anyone can turn themselves into a digital doll or figurine.
Downsides and Risks to Consider
Privacy and Data Usage. When we upload a photo, platforms may store or use it to train AI models—often without us knowing.
Misuse of Likeness and Deepfake Dangers. Uploaded recognizable faces could be used for unauthorized manipulation or deepfakes by malicious actors. Deepfakes are AI-generated synthetic media (usually videos, images, or audio) where a person’s face, voice, or body is digitally altered to make them appear to say or do things they never actually did. So this is how fake news is rooted.
Reinforcing Stereotypes and Bias. AI models may default to certain beauty norms, often marginalizing diverse appearances. AI can unintentionally push one kind of beauty as “normal” and ignore others, which is not fair to the many ways real people look.
Impact on Human Artists. Many illustrators worry that AI trends devalue real artistic work and can hurt livelihoods, especially when AI art substitutes custom, hand-drawn creations. We should always remember that hand and real artistic work must be preserved over generations.
Should You Join the Trend?
If you just want to have fun and be creative, AI figurines are great to try. But be careful, you should know how your photos might be used. Don’t upload very private pictures, and it’s best not to upload kids’ photos at all. Always check the app’s rules first. If you need something for work or something more serious, it might be better to go for hand-drawn art from real artists. That way, it’s safer and also supports their craft.
Note: All photos were generated through Gemini in Facebook App