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AI-Generated Action Figures Become Latest Social Media Trend
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, are powering a burgeoning social media trend: personalized, hyper-realistic action figures. This week, actress Brooke Shields shared an image of her AI-generated figurine, complete with a needlepoint kit and terrier, while Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene envisioned her own doll accompanied by a gavel and Bible. These AI portraits, transforming individuals and even pets into collectible-style toys, are captivating social media users, though sparking debate among artists concerned about the implications for digital art and creative industries.
The Rise of AI Portraiture
In recent weeks, platforms have been awash with AI-generated likenesses, with social media users employing AI to create “Barbie-fied” versions of themselves, their animal companions, and celebrated personalities. Even figures like Anna Wintour and Ludwig van Beethoven have been transformed into AI dolls, demonstrating the trend’s widespread reach.
Artist Concerns and Creative Industry Impact
This AI portraiture trend has ignited frustration among illustrators who critique the use of unlicensed artwork to train these AI tools. They voice worries about the potential consequences of AI on their professions and the broader creative industry. In response, some artists are creating and sharing their own hand-drawn depictions of figurines as a form of artistic counterpoint.
“Human Made” Movement
Illustrator Linh Truong, 23, of Manhattan, addressed these concerns directly with an illustration of herself holding a sketchbook and her cat, Kayla, accompanied by the text bubble “HUMAN MADE.”
Ms. Truong views the AI action figure trend, the latest in a series of AI-driven portrait styles, as a tactic by tech companies to forge personal connections with users. “They’re like, ‘We want you to see yourself in our product,’” she explained.
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User Enthusiasm for AI Avatars
For many, the prospect of seeing themselves rendered as an action figure holds significant appeal. Suzie Geria, 37, a fitness instructor from Toronto, found the action figure ChatGPT created for her remarkably true-to-life. Her digital likeness included a kettlebell and a cartoon peach, referencing her glute-focused fitness class.
“It’s kind of cool to see yourself reflected in a cartoon form,” Ms. Geria commented. “I think we’re looking at other ways to see ourselves in the world we live in, which is very much online.”
Balancing Joy and Job Security Concerns
While appreciating the entertainment value, Ms. Geria also expressed empathy for individuals in industries potentially vulnerable to job displacement due to AI. “It’s a tough one, but it’s bringing people joy as well,” she acknowledged.
Pat Bassermann, 42, a marketing professional in Andover, Massachusetts, experimented with ChatGPT by inputting a detailed prompt to generate an action figure of himself. He requested a “premium collectible toy” style, grilling tongs, and a “relaxed, friendly smile,” providing a headshot as reference. Moments later, he received an image featuring the tongue-in-cheek text: “Wife & Kids Not Included. Messy House Sold Separately.”
Family Fun with Personalized Figurines
Inspired by their father’s AI figure, Mr. Bassermann’s daughters quickly requested their own versions. Within minutes, AI-generated figurines of his daughters, complete with ponytails and accessories like ballet slippers, video game controllers, and Boba tea, were created.
AI Image Generation Under Scrutiny
The increasing popularity of AI platforms and their image generation capabilities has drawn intense scrutiny. Artists and musicians have voiced concerns that this technology poses a threat to their livelihoods. Furthermore, the proliferation of deepfake images has caused disruption across various sectors, including education, politics, and entertainment.
Concerns over copyright are also mounting. (The New York Times has initiated legal action against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement for using published content to train AI models. The companies have refuted these claims.)
Historical Context and Artist Perspectives
Earlier this year, social media was inundated with videos replicating the style of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki using ChatGPT. In response, some users recirculated a clip from a 2016 documentary where Mr. Miyazaki described AI as “an insult to life itself.”
Martha Ratcliff, 29, an illustrator based in Leeds, England, highlighted the years invested in developing her unique portraiture style. She expressed frustration with each new AI portrait trend, feeling they leveraged the work of human artists without proper acknowledgment or compensation.
The Bigger Picture for Creatives
Ms. Ratcliff understands the appeal of engaging with viral trends. “But I think if you look at the bigger picture, there are a lot of creatives that are worried,” she added. “You just don’t want it to wipe out the whole creative industry.”
To express her perspective, she dedicated approximately 20 minutes to creating her own hand-drawn interpretation of the trend. Her illustration depicts herself cradling her newborn, surrounded by flowers, colored pencils, and a steaming mug inscribed with “mama.”
“A human doing it is so much better than a robot,” she asserted, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity.