Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Revisiting the Uncanny Valley in the AI Era: A Review of Visual Artifacts and Aesthetic Perceptions in AI-Generated Characters
Muhan Li
31 October 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 10, pp. 1944-1948
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E10/2026-18 (registration with Crossref in progress)
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What is this article about?
The rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly diffusion-based image synthesis models, has fundamentally transformed digital character design and visual storytelling. However, the frequent occurrence of "visual artifacts"—such as anatomical distortions, unnatural skin smoothness, rigid facial expressions, and latent space blending—presents significant aesthetic and psychological challenges.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 31 October 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 10, pp. 1944-1948
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
The rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly diffusion-based image synthesis models, has fundamentally transformed digital character design and visual storytelling. However, the frequent occurrence of "visual artifacts"—such as anatomical distortions, unnatural skin smoothness, rigid facial expressions, and latent space blending—presents significant aesthetic and psychological challenges. This paper provides a critical, multidisciplinary review that re-examines the classic "Uncanny Valley" hypothesis within the contemporary context of AI-generated media. Moving beyond the conventional engineering perspective that views these artifacts merely as technical deficiencies to be eliminated, this study investigates their potential reinterpretation through the lenses of post-digital media art, glitch aesthetics, and visual semiotics. We analyze how audience perception, cognitive friction, and emotional engagement are affected by these synthetic cues. Furthermore, we explore how human designers utilize advanced node-based control frameworks (e.g., ComfyUI, ControlNet) to negotiate, fix, or intentionally embrace these algorithmic anomalies. Finally, we establish a conceptual framework for human-AI co-creation and highlight future research trajectories for character narrative design in generative media.
Keywords: Generative AI, Uncanny Valley, Visual Artifacts, Digital Character Design, Post-Digital Aesthetics, Visual Storytelling, Human-AI Collaboration.
Cite this article
Muhan Li (2026). Revisiting the Uncanny Valley in the AI Era: A Review of Visual Artifacts and Aesthetic Perceptions in AI-Generated Characters. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(10), 1944-1948. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/revisiting-the-uncanny-valley-in-the-ai-era-a-review-dd3ea9c4
@article{Muhan2026,
title = {Revisiting the Uncanny Valley in the AI Era: A Review of Visual Artifacts and Aesthetic Perceptions in AI-Generated Characters},
author = {Muhan Li},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {10},
pages = {1944-1948},
url = {https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/revisiting-the-uncanny-valley-in-the-ai-era-a-review-dd3ea9c4}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Muhan Li.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 10, pages 1944-1948, published by EP Journals Group on 31 October 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E10/2026-18. Registration with Crossref is in progress.
How do I cite this article?
APA: Muhan Li (2026). Revisiting the Uncanny Valley in the AI Era: A Review of Visual Artifacts and Aesthetic Perceptions in AI-Generated Characters. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(10), 1944-1948. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/revisiting-the-uncanny-valley-in-the-ai-era-a-review-dd3ea9c4
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