Sam Altman reacts with an emoji to Ghibli-style pics of PM Modi, internet joins in

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently made waves on social media when he shared an emoji in response to a post featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Ghibli art style. The images, which were created using ChatGPT's new native image generator, were posted by the Indian government’s official MyGov account. While Altman's post received attention from some fans, it also sparked criticism from others, especially regarding the use of the Ghibli style without acknowledgment of its creators.

Social media reactions to Altman’s post

The MyGov post, which featured various Ghibli-inspired images of PM Modi, included moments such as his handshake with former US President Donald Trump, posing with French President Emmanuel Macron, and even playing with lion cubs. The post praised Modi, saying, "Main character? No. He’s the whole storyline," and celebrated India’s progress in a whimsical, animated style. Altman reshared this post on Twitter and added an emoji of the Indian flag.

This move quickly attracted mixed reactions. While some appreciated the gesture, many social media users criticized Altman for what they saw as a marketing attempt to gain favor with Indian audiences. One user questioned why Altman seemed to have a special interest in India, while another added that it seemed like he was simply trying to tap into the Indian market. Some also expressed frustration about how the creators of the Ghibli art style, Studio Ghibli, were not receiving any recognition for the artwork being used by AI programs like ChatGPT.

ALSO READ: Rain and Cooler Weather Aid South Korean Fire Crews in Battling Devastating Wildfires

ALSO READ: President Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Imported Autos and Parts

Ghibli-style art and the controversy around AI

The controversy was further fueled by discussions about the origins of the Ghibli art style. The style, characterized by big eyes, soft colors, and dreamy details, was created by Studio Ghibli, a famous Japanese animation studio founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki. The unique and magical art style is beloved worldwide and has been used in many iconic animated films such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke.

However, with the rise of AI-generated art, many people have voiced concerns about how artificial intelligence tools, like ChatGPT’s image generator, are mimicking the work of studios like Ghibli without offering compensation or credit. This has led to widespread discussions about the ethics of AI art and how it can overshadow the work of original creators.

A video of Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary animator behind Studio Ghibli, resurfaced during this controversy. In the video, Miyazaki criticized AI researchers for showing him artwork made by artificial intelligence, expressing concerns that AI could never replicate the soul and artistry of human creators. His remarks resonated with many who believe that AI-generated art is a threat to the creative industries and artists who work hard to produce original pieces.

While some support the idea of AI in art and see it as an exciting new tool, others believe it should not replace the hard work and creativity of human artists. This debate has grown as more AI tools become accessible, raising questions about intellectual property and the value of original art.

Sam Altman’s emoji reaction to the Ghibli-style pictures of PM Modi was a simple gesture that ended up creating a significant stir online. While some people saw it as a harmless response, others criticized it as a marketing tactic aimed at attracting Indian consumers. The controversy also highlights broader concerns surrounding the use of AI-generated art, particularly when it comes to respecting the intellectual property of original creators like Studio Ghibli. As AI tools continue to advance, the debate about their role in creative industries is likely to intensify, with many calling for clearer guidelines and ethical considerations to ensure that human artists are properly credited and compensated for their work.