Why Do AI-Generated People All Look the Same? And what to do about it.

Ever notice how AI-generated images of people tend to look eerily similar? Smooth skin, symmetrical faces, perfect lighting — almost like everyone stepped out of the same photo shoot. Here's why that happens:

1. Training Data Bias

AI models are trained on massive image datasets pulled from the internet. These often reflect narrow beauty standards — usually Western, symmetrical, and conventionally attractive. So, the AI learns those as the “default” human look.

2. The Averaging Effect

Neural networks tend to blend features to create something “safe” and inoffensive. The result? A generic face without standout traits — no quirks, scars, or unique details.

3. Lack of Personalization

AI doesn't inject personality unless you ask it to. Without context, it creates blank-slate people. No expressions, no life behind the eyes — just photogenic placeholders.

4. Vague Prompts = Generic Results

Most people use simple prompts like “portrait of a woman” or “handsome man,” which gives the AI little to work with. The less specific the request, the more default the output.

5. Similar Model Architectures

Many image generators rely on similar tech (like diffusion models), so the outputs — especially when aiming for realism — start to converge in style and tone.

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MidJourney v7: Giving the Artist Control Again

With the release of MidJourney v7, personalization is starting to shift the power back to creators. The new version allows users to inject more identity and intent into their prompts — whether it's subtle emotion, cultural specificity, or stylistic nuance. Artists can now steer away from cookie-cutter results and shape visuals that reflect unique vision and voice.

So what to do? Solution:

By leaning into MidJourney v7’s personalization features, prompts can feel more like creative direction rather than just keywords — which means AI starts to feel less like a copy machine and more like a true artistic tool.