Warning: Some images included or linked to in this article, while non-graphic, may be distressing.
A fierce debate has erupted over ChatGPT’sStudio Ghiblitrend, which got so popular that OpenAI’s GPU’s started melting due to how many were using it. The popularity ofStudio Ghibli movieshas made them a stylistic inspiration for OpenAI’s updated image generation software, part of GPT-4o.The popularity of generating Ghibli-style images has made it a social media trend, with everything from famous movie images to popular memes being remade in the anime studio’s unique style. This is despite co-founderHayao Miyazaki’s past commentswhere he explained his loathing for AI’s use in creating art.
However, as the trend has grown more popular, its uses have gone from innocent images to more nefarious posts. The biggest of these comes from theWhite House’s official X account, which posted a Ghibli-style image of Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, a woman convicted of fentanyl trafficking, being arrested by ICE. A post on Bluesky fromCharlie Warzelrevealed an even more shocking image:X employee Zach Warunek recreated a still image from Columbine High School massacrefootagein the Ghibli art style. These are just some of the controversial ways the image generator has been used since it was launched.
OpenAI’s CEO Says Studio Ghibli Image Generations Are Melting Their GPU
The Public Response Has Been Furious
According to OpenAI CEOSam Altman, the popularity of theStudio Ghibli AI image generatorhas resulted in ChatGPT’s GPU to start melting. He announced that, because of how many people are using the software, daily caps are being temporarily used for those who utilize it for free. His statement, which can be seen below, emphasizes that, despite the controversial image generations by high-profile groups and individuals, the software remains publicly popular.
The Best Studio Ghibli Movie Is an Anime No One Talks About
Studio Ghibli has made countless celebrated works, but one of their absolute best movies doesn’t get nearly as much attention as others.
However,there’s also been fierce public backlash to ChatGPT’s Studio Ghibli image generation software. Many took to X and Bluesky, voicing their frustrations about the way the studio’s art was being boiled down to a general style for any purpose. This includes high-profile voices who aren’t in favor of the program and how it twists the work of such a beloved anime studio. Check out some of the public responses below:
Pearlmania500explained the irony of the White House’s “racist propaganda” in the form of a Studio Ghibli-style image, using 1982’sPorco Rossoto illustrate an anti-fascist message.
Evan Minto, co-founder of manga app and publisher Azuki, vented frustrations about the style of the studio’s movies being “stripped of all context,” becoming nothing more than an aesthetic for anyone to use for any purpose.
AuthorBrain Merchantexplained his deep displeasure of the trend,pointing out Miyazaki’s misgivings with using AI for creative works.
In the midst of the trend, film studioNEONhighlighted director Céline Sciamma’sPetite Maman, which pulled inspiration fromStudio Ghibli’sMy Neighbor Totoro.
One Perfect Shotresponded directly to the AI trend by posting a 2019 article fromFilm School Rejects, highlighting the “50 Most Beautiful Shots” in the studio’s movies.
TheWapplehouseposted a clip fromThe Brutalistwhere Adrien Brody’s László Tóthsays everything ugly is someone’s fault, a direct response to the AI trend.
The Sietch of Sci-Fiexplained thatAI will never be able to capture the “emotion, depth, the heart and soul” that only a human can create, using GIFs from various Ghibli films to illustrate the point.
Brendan Hodgespoints out the irony of using AI tech to generate Ghibli images when the studio’s films commentate heavily on the dangers of “environmental waste.”
Our Take On The Debate Surrounding Studio Ghibli’s AI Image Trend
What Was Once Innocent Has Become A Monster
While many of the images initially generated seemed to be innocent,Studio Ghibli’s art style is now being used for political posturing and the recreation of tragedies. This makes the backlash even more understandable, as, on top of generative AI minimizing decades of creativity, it’s also being used in nefarious ways. However, the strong negative reaction is contrasted by its continued popularity; based on Altman’s statement, it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
Source: Various (see above)
