AI-generated action figures were all over social media. Then, artists took over with hand-drawn versions.
As another AI-driven trend gained traction, artists countered by sharing their own human-made takes on the ChatGPT-generated action figures that circulated online in recent days.
Artificial intelligence-generated action figures permeated social media feeds last week as people fed images of themselves to ChatGPT and asked it to package them into miniature toys.
The resulting images, dubbed a “starter pack” for a specific person, display packaged dolls that take on the appearance of the subjects, complete with personalized mini accessories — such as iced coffees, laptops, perhaps cameras or pairs of running shoes — and labeled with the subjects’ names and job titles.
The action figure starter pack trend is the latest iteration of a growing AI meme cycle, in which internet users who discover ideas for AI-generated artwork quickly inspire others to produce content using the same prompt. Over the last few years, AI-inspired fads have spurred growing scrutiny over how they’re contributing to issues like environmental waste and the devaluation of human labor.
The starter packs gained traction over the past few days as brands and public figures took part.
Holly Rolfe, an England-based illustrator and ceramicist who sells her work online, said she found herself sighing in frustration when she noticed the AI action figures taking off.
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