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April 13, 2025
A new trend is taking social media by storm: users are transforming themselves into action figures using generative AI like ChatGPT and Copilot. From private individuals and influencers to large brands, many are creating mini-me versions of themselves. But besides the fun factor, there are also critical voices raising concerns about the energy consumption and data usage of these AI tools.
The process is surprisingly simple. Users upload a photo of themselves into a tool like ChatGPT and add detailed instructions on how the figure should look. These so-called prompts are crucial and determine all aspects of the figure, from the accessories to the packaging. Often, the design of well-known toy packaging, such as the Barbie box, is imitated. Afterwards, many users further personalize the presentation by adding their name, profession, and clothing style.
The results aren't always perfect. Many users share amusing failures where the action figures bear little resemblance to them. Like other generative AI tools, image generators also tend to invent information and make assumptions about a person's appearance.
Trends come and go, but the desire to belong is often strong. "Generative AI simplifies and accelerates content creation and jumping on trends," explains Jasmine Enberg, social media analyst at eMarketer. The technology allows for faster content production, which can also lead to users getting bored with a trend more quickly. Enberg expects that AI-driven trends will appear more frequently in our feeds in the future, as the technology becomes increasingly integrated into our digital everyday lives.
Despite the playful nature, there are points of criticism. Professor Gina Neff of Queen Mary University London points to the high energy consumption of ChatGPT. The data centers that power this technology consume more electricity annually than 117 countries. The use of copyrighted data for training the image generators is also being critically questioned. "ChatGPT Barbie poses a triple threat to our privacy, our culture, and our planet," says Neff. "While the personalization may be enjoyable, these systems throw brands and characters into a blender without taking responsibility for the outcome."
Jo Bromilow, Director of Social Media and Influencers at PR agency MSL UK, asks: "Is a cute, funny result really worth it?" She emphasizes the need for guidelines for the responsible use of AI: "If we want to use AI correctly, we need to set boundaries."
The trend of ChatGPT action figures illustrates the potential and challenges of generative AI. While the playful aspect and ease of use are appealing, the high energy consumption, the use of copyrighted data, and the potential impact on our privacy raise important questions. A responsible and conscious approach to this technology is essential to harness the benefits while minimizing the risks.
Sources: - https://www.theverge.com/news/647356/chatgpt-ai-barbie-action-figure-viral-trend - https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/chatgpt-action-figure-prompt-explained-094145102.html - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adrian-sims-b211391b_chatgpt-action-dolls-what-are-the-concerns-activity-7316716442903535616-5KaR - https://vjal.ai/chatgpt-action-dolls-what-are-the-concerns/ - https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/the-action-figure-trend-is-the-latest-way-people-are-misusing-the-power-of-ai-and-i-wish-i-could-stop-doing-it - https://www.newsweek.com/action-figure-trend-ai-chatgpt-barbie-box-free-2057582 - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brandeis-marshall_chatgpt-ai-action-dolls-concerns-around-activity-7316927695156568065-I2B- - https://www.facebook.com/BITsmarttechuk/posts/everyones-jumping-on-the-ai-doll-trend-but-what-are-the-concerns/1490263462387462/