Jeremy M. Bernardoni

5.5 Fashion Aesthetics, AI, and Digital Landscapes: Masculinity, Identity, and Authenticity in Shifting Visual Territories (Paper)

Jeremy M. Bernardoni – University of North Texas, Denton, USA

Abstract:

The increased presence of artificial intelligence, immersive media, and digital platforms has transformed fashion into a dynamic site for exploring identity and visual culture. These technologies not only expand creative possibilities but also redefine how masculinity is performed, perceived, and contested in hypermodern society. This research examines how fashion and masculinity intersect with these “unexpected territories,” where new aesthetic norms and pressures emerge, shaped by algorithmic influences and immersive environments. Drawing from symbolic interactionism theory and social-psychological aspects of dress and identity, this study uses data mining methods, such as sentiment analysis and topic modelling, to analyse patterns in social media posts and trends, AI-generated fashion imagery, and consumer engagement metrics related to masculine aesthetics. The data reveal how algorithmic curation promotes hyper-idealized masculine imagery, creating a distorted visual culture that pressures individuals to conform to narrow, digitally constructed standards. Content analysis of user interactions on digital platforms further highlights the impact of these visual environments on self-presentation, identity formation, and emotional well-being. At the same time, mining data from platforms featuring non-binary aesthetics, customizable avatars, and immersive technologies uncovers opportunities for reimagining masculinity. These unexpected visual territories offer spaces for experimentation and fluid self-expression, destabilizing rigid gender norms. However, findings also indicate the pervasive influence of addictive behaviours, false realities, distorted self-images, and external validation, challenging self-authenticity in these digital spaces. This research positions fashion as a lens through which visual culture and digital innovation intersect with the shifting grounds of masculinity. It explores how the dynamics between technology, visuality, and identity reshape traditional value systems and cultural norms. Data-driven insights highlight an unexpected territory in the liminal space between the aesthetic interpretations of hypermasculinity, a new masculine image, and the dynamics of authentic self-expression.