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ChatGPT Users Transform Photos into Studio Ghibli-Inspired Artworks, Sparking AI Ethics Debate
The internet is currently captivated by a wave of Studio Ghibli-esque creations, as enthusiasts utilize ChatGPT’s latest features to reimagine images in the iconic style of the celebrated Japanese animation studio. Inspired by the distinctive artistic vision of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, online users are leveraging new AI image generation tools to produce portraits and memes reminiscent of his beloved works. This trend highlights both the creative possibilities and ongoing ethical discussions surrounding artificial intelligence in art.
New ChatGPT Feature Fuels Ghibli-Inspired Image Trend
This viral trend emerged swiftly after OpenAI unveiled its integrated image-generation capabilities within GPT-4o, the most recent iteration of ChatGPT, on Tuesday. Subscribers to premium tiers, starting at $20 monthly, can now upload images and prompt the AI to transform them “into the style of Studio Ghibli.” The tool is also compatible with Sora, ChatGPT’s text-to-video AI model, expanding the possibilities for users seeking to create Ghibli-style content.
Social Media Flooded with Reimagined Events and Memes
By Wednesday, social media platforms were awash in images recreating significant political moments from U.S. history. Users transformed events such as the meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28th, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, into scenes evocative of Studio Ghibli animations. Popular memes, including the Ashton Hall morning routine meme and the long-standing Distracted Boyfriend meme, also received the Ghibli-style AI treatment.
Personal Photos Get the Ghibli Makeover
Beyond memes and historical events, many individuals are employing the AI tool to give their personal photographs a Studio Ghibli aesthetic. Pictures of family, friends, and pets are being reimagined as if they were scenes directly from a Ghibli film, demonstrating the widespread appeal of this new image generation capability.
OpenAI CEO Joins the Trend
Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman engaged with the phenomenon, updating his X profile picture to a portrait rendered in the characteristic Studio Ghibli style, further amplifying the online buzz.
AI Art and Artist Concerns Intensify
The release of this feature arrives amidst ongoing debate and apprehension among artists regarding the growing presence of generative artificial intelligence across various creative mediums. Concerns persist about the ethical implications of AI in image generation, voice synthesis, and music creation.
Copyright and Consent in AI Training Data
In late 2023, a widely circulated list exposed thousands of artists whose work was allegedly used without authorization to train Midjourney, a prominent AI art generator. Over 11,000 creatives previously signed a public letter condemning the unpermitted use of human artwork for AI training.
Artists Protest AI Art Auctions
Similarly, last month, artists rallied against Christie’s New York, urging the auction house to cancel its sale of AI-generated art. Their open letter argued that many of the AI artworks were produced using models trained on copyrighted material without proper licensing, asserting that these models exploit artists by leveraging their work to develop commercial AI products that directly compete with them.
Backlash and “AI Slop” Accusations
While many users expressed enthusiasm for the new AI tool, others voiced concerns that its use diminishes the artistic achievements of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
“Soulless” and “Unoriginal” Art
Some critics derided the AI-reimagined art as “AI slop,” a pejorative term for low-quality, seemingly AI-generated images that often proliferate on social media. Others labeled the Ghibli-style images as lacking soul and originality.
Debate Over Creativity and Authenticity
One X user characterized the trend as “the very definition of AI slop,” decrying the “knock-off Ghibli abundance” flooding online feeds. They argued that art is being reduced to mere “content,” unique design is becoming generic meme generation, and genuine creativity is absent.
Data Transparency and Copyright Questions Raised Again
OpenAI, like many competitors in the AI field, maintains secrecy regarding the specific datasets employed to train its models. The impressive accuracy of its Studio Ghibli imitations has reignited user inquiries about whether the company has potentially utilized Studio Ghibli’s copyrighted works without official consent.
OpenAI Defends “Creative Freedom”
An OpenAI spokesperson issued a statement affirming the company’s commitment to granting users “as much creative freedom as possible.” The spokesperson stated they prevent generations in the styles of individual living artists but permit broader studio styles, which has enabled users to generate “delightful and inspired original fan creations.” They added that OpenAI is continuously learning from user experiences and feedback and will refine its policies accordingly.
Studio Ghibli Remains Silent
Studio Ghibli has not yet issued a public response to requests for comment on this emerging trend.
OpenAI Seeks Copyright Exception for AI Training
OpenAI, currently facing copyright infringement lawsuits from news organizations, authors, and visual artists, recently appealed to the U.S. government to simplify the process for AI companies to train on copyrighted material. The company cited the necessity to “strengthen America’s lead” in the global advancement of AI technology.
Enhanced Image Generation Capabilities Highlighted
OpenAI promotes its latest image generation tool as particularly adept at precisely following user prompts, utilizing conversational context, and accurately rendering text – a function that previous AI image generators have struggled with. The company emphasized in a blog announcement on Tuesday that these enhancements empower users to create images aligning with their vision, facilitating more effective visual communication and establishing image generation as a practical and precise tool.
Miyazaki’s Past Criticism of AI Art Resurfaces
Hayao Miyazaki, the acclaimed animator, has previously characterized AI-generated art as “an insult to life itself.” A video clip from a 2016 AI demonstration, recirculated on social media on Wednesday, features Miyazaki stating, “Whoever made it gives no thought to pain. It’s very unpleasant… You can make horrible things if you want, but I want nothing to do with it.” This resurfaced critique underscores the ongoing debate surrounding AI’s role in creative fields and the ethical considerations championed by figures like Miyazaki.