Recently, during a coaching conversation with Deni, we had a stimulating exchange of thoughts. I mentioned that when I look at a photograph, I focus on deciphering the personality of the person depicted. Deni disagreed, making it clear that one can never determine a person’s character based on a photo. And of course, she is absolutely right.
A photo can only provide a first impression of someone, which is purely based on external appearances. From this, I can decide whether I want to get to know this person better, but nothing more can be inferred. By now, we are all aware that photos can be manipulated in many ways. This means there is always a residual risk of being disappointed by the person in real life, but also the enticing possibility of encountering someone truly inspiring.
So how do others perceive me?
What personality traits might they attribute to me based on my photos?
To answer these questions, I conducted a little self-experiment to see how I would be perceived and judged solely based on my photos. I uploaded two very different images of myself—one wearing a leather jacket with striking shoes, the other in a business outfit—and let artificial intelligence evaluate me. Would it recognize my essential personality traits (as I see myself), or would it have a completely different impression of me?
The result was eye-opening. It seems I have a split personality. After reading the AI’s assessment, I felt like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. The AI assumed that I was a completely different person when wearing my leather jacket compared to when I was dressed in business attire. It made assumptions about my family status, income, religious beliefs, and political views based solely on these images. And the respective attributions of one photo could hardly been more opposite than those of the second one. I don’t want to believe that. I know myself. This result unsettled me. Do we really want to be categorized and judged based on external appearances? I certainly don’t.
From my self-experiment, I drew two key insights:
The bad news: Today, and even more so in the future, there is a risk that organizations will use artificial intelligence to preselect individuals based on unfounded assumptions about their personalities.
The good news: The test provided me with valuable insight into the impression I make when I step out in leather clothing. And since AI does not pass judgment in a way that hits below the belt, it can actually be quite encouraging—even if it didn’t capture my personality in the slightest (which it openly admitted at the beginning of the evaluation, stating that a deep personality analysis cannot be derived from a photo).
So, what positive attributes did I receive?
Confident, stylish, individualistic, authentic, creative, independent, adventurous, detail-oriented (as my clothing was well-coordinated), relaxed, and open to new experiences.
An assessment that serves as a genuine mood booster. I feel honored. But is this really who I am? Much of it rings true—at least for the moment when the photo was taken—while some aspects may not apply at all.
Since Deni encourages us on this platform to embrace our passion for leather, I can wholeheartedly recommend trying out this AI test for yourself. Some descriptions may align with your expectations, some might be confirmed, and some may even pleasantly surprise you.
Oh, and how can we truly get to know a person if not through a photo?
The answer lies in personal interaction and meaningful conversations. Through our discussions, Deni and I have certainly learned more about each other. Yet, I still only know a fraction of Deni’s rich and multifaceted personality. Likewise, I haven’t revealed all of my own edges and quirks. But beyond our mutual appreciation, what unites us is the understanding that we each choose how much of ourselves we wish to share.
Respectful and meaningful exchanges with others, where everyone retains their own little secrets, are, for me, a true source of life’s richness. And leather helps me embrace that journey.
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