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The Daily OrangeComputer program evaluates physical beauty of women
By Elliott Townsend
Posted: 4/10/08, 10:47 PM EST Section: News
Tim Korecky, a sophomore computer science major, doesn't think the computer can be as accurate as a pair of human eyes.
"Everyone has their own tastes," he said.
Korecky said that because computer code is based on a series of zeros and ones, it would be difficult to elaborate on such basic decision-making skills most computers have.
He also mentioned that programming such as this is fairly advanced and requires many lines of code. Despite the complexity, Korecky said he still believes it's unrealistic to think a computer can make such complex judgments, given that humans have far more preferences.
From a social perspective, Kagian's work has stirred up controversy. But on the technological front, his research may lead to promising advances in both plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as Artificial Intelligence in computers.
"Depending on how sophisticated it is, (Kagian's program) could be used in facial recognition and security," Korecky said. "This could be a step in the right direction."
Kelly Mehler, a sophomore English and textual studies major, said Kagian's work only perpetuates the stereotypes that already exist in society. In a world where women are constantly pressured to conform to the stereotypical "celebrity body," Mehler said she believes this further alienates those who don't resemble society's "perfect" woman.
Kagian's research and developments have recently been published in the scientific journal Vision Research. In future research, Kagian plans to shift his focus to men. He said that because the social definitions of male attractiveness aren't as universal as those of females, the process and programming will probably be more complex.
Kagian's software may revolutionize certain scientific fields, but the social controversy of beauty still remains.
"There are already standards of beauty in place," Riley of SU's women's studies program said. "I don't think people are na've enough to base their opinions on it."
entownse@syr.edu
"Everyone has their own tastes," he said.
Korecky said that because computer code is based on a series of zeros and ones, it would be difficult to elaborate on such basic decision-making skills most computers have.
He also mentioned that programming such as this is fairly advanced and requires many lines of code. Despite the complexity, Korecky said he still believes it's unrealistic to think a computer can make such complex judgments, given that humans have far more preferences.
From a social perspective, Kagian's work has stirred up controversy. But on the technological front, his research may lead to promising advances in both plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as Artificial Intelligence in computers.
"Depending on how sophisticated it is, (Kagian's program) could be used in facial recognition and security," Korecky said. "This could be a step in the right direction."
Kelly Mehler, a sophomore English and textual studies major, said Kagian's work only perpetuates the stereotypes that already exist in society. In a world where women are constantly pressured to conform to the stereotypical "celebrity body," Mehler said she believes this further alienates those who don't resemble society's "perfect" woman.
Kagian's research and developments have recently been published in the scientific journal Vision Research. In future research, Kagian plans to shift his focus to men. He said that because the social definitions of male attractiveness aren't as universal as those of females, the process and programming will probably be more complex.
Kagian's software may revolutionize certain scientific fields, but the social controversy of beauty still remains.
"There are already standards of beauty in place," Riley of SU's women's studies program said. "I don't think people are na've enough to base their opinions on it."
entownse@syr.edu
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