The Uncanny Valley Aesthetic in New Media Art
A Master's Thesis by
Kirby Mealer

Thesis Advisor
Joanna Wlaszyn

Presented to the department of Transdisciplinary New Media in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master of Fine Arts in Transdisciplinary New Media 

PARIS COLLEGE OF ART
January 2023

Abstract

Masahiro Mori first established the idea of the uncanny valley in 1970 with the emergence of three-dimensional media and the advancement of computer technologies. The pursuit of a human-like essence through technology or art causes this phenomenon. The uncanny valley is noticeable when the fabricated figure appears human, but there is something not quite right with its appearance or movement. The social narratives of these uncanny figures and their interactions with one another and with people can also be observed to further their uncanniness. Today's new media artists are experimenting with the uncanny valley's various layers in their creations. Whether it be through virtual influencers or artificial intelligence chatbots, the uncanny valley is omnipresent. This thesis explores the uncanny valley through an aesthetic lens and in relation to new media art pieces and processes to answer the following questions: How is the uncanny valley utilized in new media art? What is its purpose? How is it explored? Furthermore, this research looks to explore the social influences that affect how the uncanny valley is utilized. The importance of this research is to bring forth an updated connection between new media art and the uncanny valley, for much research is outdated due to the rapid advancements of modern technology. The incorporation of the uncanny valley influences the thoughts of audiences and reflects the ideology of its creators, therefore making it an essential aesthetic to understand and analyze as the world continues towards utilizing uncanny figures in daily life.


Keywords
uncanny valley, new media art, virtual influencers, artificial intelligence, aesthetic

Table of Contents

Abstract………………………………............................................................……..iii
List of Figures….........………………................................................................v
Introduction………………...……………………..............................................…...1

1. The Virtual Uncanny: Beyond the Visuals…………....……...........….….5
1.1 Defining Virtual Influencers and Virtual Social Lives….................5
    1.1.1 Exploring Virtual Influencers…………………….........................…….5
    1.1.2 Going Beyond Just Visuals: Having a Virtual Social Life......10
1.2 Case Study: The Use of the Uncanny Valley within Lil Miquela’s Content…......................................................................................................15

2. The Uncanny Valley Aesthetics and Artificial Intelligence……....20
2.1 How Artificial Intelligence is Utilized……….………......................…..20
2.2 Analysis of Ai-Da: The World’s First Ultra-realistic Artist Robot……...........................................................................................….....…29

3. The Social Influence of the Uncanny Valley in New Media Art…………….........................................................................................…....…33
3.1 Beauty Standards and Cultural Influence of the visualization of the Uncanny.......................................................................................................33
    3.1.1 The Influence of Beauty Standards………............................……33
    3.1.2 Cultural Influences………………...........................................……..…34
3.2 Gender and Sexuality within the Uncanny Valley...................….38

​Conclusion…………………………………………………..................................….....43
Bibliography……………………………….......................................………...……...45
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