Work With AI
Analysis of Social Media Mockups
Agency #1: Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB)
AI Tools and Commands Used:
Tool: ChatGBT
Command: Create a visual concept for a soda ad, make it look dreamy.
Create a Caption or Teaser for the Social Media Post: Floating into flavor
Who is the Target Audience for the Social Media Post You Created?: Young Adults and Teenagers
Why Did You Select the Media You Did for the Social Media Post for Each Agency?: Surreal, candy-infused visuals create an immediate sense of escapism and whimsical indulgence, directly associating the soda with a fantastical and pleasurable experience.
Agency #2: AKQA
AI Tools and Commands Used:
Tool: ChatGBT
Command: A minimalist flat lay ad featuring skincare bottles on stone and glass textures, surrounded by dewy leaves and natural light. A soft color palette of sage green, cream, and blush. Calm, clean, luxurious. Ideal for high-end skincare or wellness brands.
Create a Caption or Teaser for the Social Media Post: Breathe. Replenish. Restore. Skincare inspired by nature's gentle touch.
Who is the Target Audience for the Social Media Post You Created? Spas and Wellness Centers
Why Did You Select the Media You Did for the Social Media Post for Each Agency?: The clean, natural flat lay with soft light and calming colors subtly whispers of high-quality, nature-connected skincare.
Agency #3: Essence Studio
AI Tools and Commands Used:
Tool: ChatGBT
Command: Generate an ad for a beauty agency. The scene should subtly blend futuristic elements (clean lines, glowing accents, abstract representations of technology) with natural beauty (lush plants, soft lighting, hints of diverse skin tones). The overall feeling should be sophisticated and aspirational, conveying the idea that "the future of beauty inspires us to create transformative experiences."
Create a Caption or Teaser for the Social Media Post: The future of beauty.
Who is the Target Audience for the Social Media Post You Created?: Early Adopters of Beauty Technology and Trends
Why Did You Select the Media You Did for the Social Media Post for Each Agency?: The mix of futuristic vibes and natural feels, plus all the different people, makes you stop and wonder what this "future of beauty" thing is all about.
Part 2: Media Manipulation
1. How I Found It & Why I Chose It
I originally came across this post on my TikTok For You Page (FYP) a few years ago. It featured beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira promoting L'Oréal Paris's Telescopic Lift mascara. What caught my attention at the time and still sticks with me was how convincing her video was. As a regular user of TikTok and a fan of makeup reviews, I was immediately drawn in by how bold and dramatic her lashes looked. But soon after, comment sections and duets started flooding my feed, accusing her of wearing false lashes while claiming the mascara alone created the effect.
I chose this campaign because it’s a perfect example of how manipulated media can look completely trustworthy, especially when it comes from someone with a large and loyal following.
2. How It’s Manipulated
The manipulation in this video is subtle but impactful. Mikayla applies the mascara on camera and claims her results come solely from the product. However, viewers quickly pointed out that her lashes, especially at the outer corners, looked too perfect, like they had the definition and separation typical of false eyelashes, specifically those similar to Ardell Wispies.
While she doesn’t explicitly say "I'm not wearing falsies," the implication in a product review setting is that the viewer is seeing the mascara's actual performance. This is misleading because the enhancement from false lashes changes the product’s perceived effectiveness.
Can I Find the Original?
The video is still available online (Mikayla’s Original Video), and there's no version where Mikayla explicitly acknowledges using false lashes. However, no "behind-the-scenes" or raw footage exists showing her without lashes during the application.
Since we can't find an un-manipulated version, I used triangulation from credible, unbiased sources:
TIME Magazine covered the controversy with an analysis of lash behavior and viewer reactions.
FizzyMag broke down visual comparisons and influencer reactions.
Both confirm: there’s strong evidence false lashes were used, and the video misled consumers, intentionally or not.
4. Engagement & Sentiment
The video racked up 1.7 million views and 228,000 comments. A huge portion of the audience felt misled, with TikTokers creating duets, zooming in to expose the lash band, and calling out the dishonesty. Even top beauty influencers like Jeffree Star and James Charles joined the conversation, questioning the integrity of the review.
While Mikayla has a loyal fanbase who defended her, the general sentiment leaned skeptical, especially in the beauty community, where trust in product reviews is critical. Many expressed disappointment and concern about the influencers’ transparency.
5. My Personal Approach to Reframing the Narrative
If I were to respond personally to this situation or a similar one, I’d take a peer-to-peer educational approach.
Use my own platform (if applicable) to share a short, honest review:
“Saw a viral mascara post but wasn’t too sure about the results, so I tested it out with no filters or cuts. Here’s what I look like!”
Encourage critical thinking among friends/followers
“Before buying anything from an influencer ad, check if multiple creators have the same results. Look out for signs of filters or lash extensions.”
The goal is to spark curiosity and empower others to ask questions, not just walk blindly or to shame and/or attack the creator.
Part 3: Discussion on AI
Are AI-Generated Social Media Posts Ready To Share?
Not immediately. While AI can serve as a strong draft, it usually isn’t 100% perfect. It’s important to have a human review for accuracy and make potential changes to something that may not necessarily align with the brand.
Could AI Content Be Considered Manipulated Media?
Yes, however, it’s not intentional. AI-generated content “fills in gaps.” While it may seem helpful, it can misrepresent the truth or intention. And it’s interesting, I do a lot of studio photography, and I find myself misrepresenting my pictures simply to “fill in gaps.”
Does AI Content Fit The Brand and Target Audience?
I would partially agree. AI tools can imitate the general tone that they're being asked to create. However, it needs proper refinement from a human.
Ethical Considerations of Posting Unedited AI-Generated Content
Misrepresent the brand by using the wrong tone or voice
Lack of authenticity
Does AI Possess the Five Elements of Sentience?
Element #1: Ability To Feel
Does AI Possess It: No
Justification: AI can simulate emotional language, but it has no conscious experience or emotion.
Element #2: Sensation/ Sense Input
Does AI Possess It: No
Justification: Does not see or feel consciously.
Element #3: Self-Awareness
Does AI Possess It: No
Justification: Lacks internal “self,” it cannot reflect on itself.
Element #4: Subjective Experience
Does AI Possess It: No
Justification: Only response prediction.
Element #5: Creativity
Does AI Possess It: Partially
Justification: Pattern-based, not imaginative.
Will AI Become Sentient? If So, When?
I think this is a very interesting yet scary thing to ponder. I believe it is unlikely for an AI to ever really be sentient. AI would need to possess consciousness, be self-aware, and have internal experiences. And there are no computational features we currently understand well enough to recreate.
Ethical Treatment of AI — Who’s Responsible Now?
The only correct answer is Humans. Until AI can think and feel on its own, humans are fully responsible for:
Ethical sue
Truthfulness in representation
And preventing misinformation
Main responsible:
Developers
Policy makers
Consequences of Not Establishing Ethical Norms
Misinformation: deepfakes, fake news, or impersonation
Loss of public trust; Institutions or brands
Exploitation: fake endorsement, manipulated content (already seen in generative AI in Photoshop)
Who Must Be Responsible Until Then?
HUAMNS!
