❗ Note: This page addresses problematic digital role models as well as algorithmic and technological amplification mechanisms.
In the left image, we see an AI-generated version of Charles: physically exaggerated, heavily muscular, with dominant body language and clear status symbols in the background. This portrayal follows common algorithmic patterns of what is considered “masculine” online: strength, control, and flawless performance.
The right image shows Charles Nguela as a real person: humorous, approachable, and grounded in his public work. Here, personality, context, and social connection matter — qualities often missing in digital image algorithms.
The fake image shows an AI-generated version of Charles: physically enhanced, heavily muscled, with dominant body language and clear status symbols in the background. This depiction follows common algorithmic patterns of what is considered "masculine" online: strength, control, and perfect performance.
The original image by Pascal Mora shows Charles Nguela as a real person: humorous, approachable, and grounded in his public work. This is about personality, context, and social connection—qualities that are often absent from digital image algorithms.
The AI representation distorts masculinity into a one-dimensional ideal. It is not born from the reality of a human being, but from statistical data trends and visual clichés that are clicked, liked, and shared most frequently online.
Constant self-optimization: Never enough, never “alpha” enough.
Likes determine value and self-perception.
Insecurities are hidden instead of shared.
Algorithms often amplify extreme worldviews without challenge.
Question digital ideals instead of reinforcing them.
Open up new perspectives on masculinity.
Encourage dialogue over pressure to be perfect.
Support diverse, human identities.
Users can be led from harmless self-improvement videos to highly polarizing manosphere content within just a few minutes
(Source: Renfrew Center Foundation, 2017)
Every second girl says that idealised beauty content on social media lowers her self-esteem.
(Source: Dove Self-Esteem Project, 2022)
Filtered photos receive 45% more comments than unfiltered ones.
(Source: Yahoo! Labs & Georgia Tech, 2021)
AI beauty filters often change entire facial proportions, not just skin or light.wichtigsten Informationsquellen zu Identität, Beziehungen und Rollenbildern.
(Source: Isakovich, 2022)
- Don’t compare yourself to over-staged ideals.
- Talk to someone you trust about pressure and insecurities.
- Follow accounts that show diverse masculinities.
- Report or block content that spreads hate or shaming.
- Diversify your feed: don’t focus only on fitness, status, or success.
- Watch your “For You” page: it reflects what you click.
- Consume critically: who benefits when you feel bad?
- Ask yourself: is this a role model or just a sales tactic?
- Reach out to mental health or digital safety services.
- Talk with friends, mentors, or peer communities: you are not alone.
Masculinity can be many things: funny, sensitive, strong, chaotic, emotional, creative, quiet, loud, and above all human.
This pair of images is an invitation: to question, to start a conversation, and to shift perspectives.
“What if perfection becomes the norm and no one is allowed to be real anymore?”
Welcome to WHAT THE FAKE – discover more image pairs, facts, and tips.
