Table of contents
Recently launched by OpenAI, the latest version of the image generation tool integrated into ChatGPT (GPT-4o) has sparked a frenzy on social networks. Thousands of users are now sharing visuals created automatically, but with the Japanese studio's famous graphic style. Studio Ghiblibehind such legendary animated films as My Neighbor Totoro, Chihiro's Journey or even Princess Mononoke.
This unexpectedly viral trend soon caught the attention of OpenAI's own executives. Among them were, Sam AltmanOpenAI's charismatic CEO personally commented on this phenomenon, oscillating between humor and irony.
GPT-4o and Studio Ghibli-style image generation: Origins of a viral phenomenon
Last Tuesday, OpenAI proudly announced the release of its multimodal artificial intelligence model called GPT-4oThis is the first time that a computer has been able to produce realistic images with a degree of precision never achieved before. However, to everyone's surprise, it was the images inspired by the animated universe of Hayao Miyazakithe iconic co-founder of Studio Ghibli, which particularly captivated users.
Soon, well-known faces such as Sam Altman himself were "ghiblized", flooding Twitter (renamed X), Instagram, TikTok and Reddit, creating an unprecedented viral trend in the world of AI-assisted artistic creations.
Sam Altman's reaction, between irony and awareness
Sam Altman was quick to react to this trend, which went viral in just a few hours. On his personal X account, the OpenAI CEO shared a Studio Ghibli-style caricature of himself, accompanied by an ironic comment:
"Being me. Spend 10 years working tirelessly to develop a superintelligence capable of curing cancer or whatever. For the first 7.5 years, nobody cares. Then, for 2.5 years, everyone criticizes you for every detail. One fine day, waking up with hundreds of messages saying: 'Look, I've turned you into a cute Ghibli character.'"
With this humorous statement, Altman underlines both the scale of the phenomenon and the paradox of social recognition of work linked to theAIIt also underlines the unpredictable and often light-hearted nature of the public reception of major technological advances.
Studio Ghibli: an official reaction that is still discreet, but historically a clear position
Faced with this phenomenon, Studio Ghibli's North American representatives have so far refused any official comment. Yet Hayao Miyazaki's historical position on artificial intelligence is clear and highly critical. In 2016, when he was first confronted with a demonstration of animation created by AIMiyazaki stated bluntly:
"I'm deeply disgusted. If you really want to create scary things, go ahead. I will never integrate this technology into my work. It's an insult to life itself."
These words perfectly convey the famous Japanese director's opposition to the use of AI in the creative field, which suggests a potential confrontation with OpenAI or other artificial intelligence companies in the months to come.
Creatives' growing concern about AI and copyright issues
This situation raises a growing concern among artists, creators and rights-holders in the cultural and artistic sector, particularly with regard to copyright and the use of their works to train artificial intelligence.
Recently, a coalition of over 400 U.S. film professionals, actors, musicians and other creators officially called on the U.S. administration to denounce OpenAI and Google's attempts to relax or remove protections for copyrighted works as part of the automatic learning of AI models.
This contestation is currently reaching its climax with a recent court decision in the United States allowing the newspaper New York Times and other media groups to sue OpenAI and Microsoft for alleged misuse of their copyrighted content in the formation of ChatGPT. This case could redefine the legal limits on the use of artistic works in technology.
AI-generated images: What place for artistic ethics?
While many users are fascinated by the ease with which GPT-4o reproduces the Ghibli style, others express deep concern about the ethics of such practices. Personalities such as Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, have recently criticized these creations, denouncing a trivialization of human creative efforts and a form of exploitation of artistic heritage without consent.
This ethical question is becoming increasingly pressing as AI develops. What balance should be struck between technological innovation and the respect due to original works? How can we protect creators while enabling innovation that benefits society?
Future prospects: between necessary regulation and continuous innovation
The rapid evolution of multimodal artificial intelligences like GPT-4o shows no signs of slowing down. Faced with this lightning evolution, several avenues are taking shape:
- Strengthening legislation to clearly define what constitutes copyright infringement and what is fair use.
- Collaboration between AI and human designers rather than a replacement, a complementarity in which AI assists creators by enabling them to go further in their artistic visions.
- Development of tools to protect works Advanced techniques to prevent AIs from training on protected content without explicit authorization.
Conclusion: A debate far from over
Sam Altman's humorous reaction to the phenomenon GPT-4o Ghibli does not hide the complexity and importance of the underlying debate. The use of AI in artistic creation raises major social issues: copyright, ethics, respect for human work, and the necessary regulation of technological innovation.
More than just a buzzword, this question requires us to think deeply about the future of art, culture and creative work at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming omnipresent.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about AI and artistic creativity
- Why is the use of AI in art so controversial?
This is because AI often uses protected works for its learning, raising questions of intellectual property and artistic ethics. - Can Studio Ghibli take legal action against OpenAI?
Yes, in theory, but legal procedures remain complex and uncertain in the AI field. - Are AI-generated images protected by copyright?
The question currently remains open and depends heavily on national jurisdictions. - What are the possible solutions for protecting original creators?
Clear regulations, technological protection systems for works, and increased awareness of intellectual property rights. - What future for artists in the face of AI?
A future where AI can be used as a complementary tool, but which requires strict regulation and ongoing vigilance to preserve the essential role of human creators.
