The proliferation of starter packs generated by AI on social platforms questions contemporary artistic dynamics. Striking images, products of artificial intelligence, emerge but distort creativity, causing a disapproval among artists. Discourses crystallize around the homogeneity of creations, where each character figurine seems to struggle to capture authenticity. Each publication reflects a growing unease, revealing the tensions between technological innovation and human singularity.
The rise of AI-generated starter packs
Social media is currently inundated with starter packs, an innovative trend where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a predominant role. These “starter packs” group various symbolic objects meant to reflect an individual’s personality, ranging from clothing to glasses or various accessories. This practice has gained considerable momentum in recent weeks, disrupting the digital landscape.
Influence of social media platforms
Users of platforms such as X, Instagram, and TikTok massively share AI-generated creations. Using tools like ChatGPT or Kapwing, they produce 3D images, thus creating stylized figurines. These creations take on the appearance of toys, emphasizing the playful aspect of the trend. Internet users show creativity, representing their physiques, passions, and even pets, which increases enthusiasm around the concept.
Critiques from artists and illustrators
Notably, this phenomenon is not liked by everyone. Many artists, illustrators, and creatives feel threatened by this practice. They denounce the standardization of AI-generated creations, arguing that it obliterates the diversity and originality of art. Proponents of artistic craftsmanship advocate for genuine recognition of their work. They call for support for artists instead of resorting to artificial image generators.
A creative response
In the face of this wave of AI, several artists choose to create their own starter packs. They fight to promote their craftsmanship using social channels. A movement has formed around the hashtag #starterpacknoAI, where each user celebrates craftsmanship. Shared messages often highlight the quality and uniqueness of these creations, in contrast to the perfect but cold images produced by artificial intelligences.
Uniformity and clichés in AI creations
The images produced by AI are sometimes described as “creepy,” due to their overly polished and uniform appearance. Stereotypical representations of individuals are common. For instance, athletes are often depicted with exposed muscles, accompanied by sports equipment. The models are frequently grouped, conveying clichés about professions and cultures. This uniformity in starter packs raises questions about the richness of human representations.
Ecological consequences of AI
A growing concern arises about the environmental impact of queries made to AIs. According to Amélie Cordier, an AI specialist, a simple request to ChatGPT consumes as much energy as leaving a light on for an entire day. This reality raises questions about the sustainability of the processes involved in creating these images and the ecological footprint they entail.
Frequently asked questions
What is an AI-generated starter pack?
An AI-generated starter pack is a simplified visual representation of a person, including meaningful elements of their personality or interests, created using artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT or Imgflip.
Why do AI-generated starter packs attract criticism?
These creations are criticized primarily due to their excessive uniformity and how they may reduce the diversity of professional artists, replacing them with generated images that lack depth and authenticity.
What types of content are often included in a starter pack?
A starter pack typically includes objects or symbols that represent a person’s character traits, such as books, clothing, accessories, or even passions, but often based on stereotypes.
How do artists react to this trend of starter packs?
Many artists feel threatened by the use of AI to create these starter packs and have begun to create their own versions, while calling on the public to support the work of human artists rather than resorting to AI.
What are the environmental concerns related to AI-generated requests?
Experts emphasize that each interaction with AIs like ChatGPT has a significant carbon footprint, equivalent to leaving a light on for an entire day, raising concerns about the sustainability of these digital creation practices.
Who uses the concept of AI-generated starter packs and why?
The concept is primarily used by social media users seeking to express themselves playfully, but also by influencers and comedians, who try to capture attention by embodying characters or ideas through these packs.
How can one create a starter pack by themselves without AI?
It is possible to create a starter pack using traditional graphic design tools or even by drawing by hand, choosing objects and elements that personally reflect a person’s personality or interests.
What are the effects of this trend on social media?
The trend of AI-generated starter packs has led to an abundance of similar content on social media, which can sometimes harm the originality and creativity of posts, while fueling debates about the value of digital art.
