The internet has been swept up in a frenzy of AI-generated imagery inspired by the iconic style of Studio Ghibli, thanks to the latest image generator released on OpenAI's ChatGPT. This surge in user-generated content, fueled by the new native image generation feature in the GPT-4o model, has allowed users to create a wide array of visuals based solely on text prompts. From infographics and comic strips to memes and user interfaces, the possibilities seem endless.

Social media platforms have been inundated with these AI-created visuals, sparking a viral trend that has captured the imagination of netizens worldwide. As the trend escalated, ChatGPT's image-generation tool became a primary source for these creations, leading to a massive surge in demand. This unprecedented demand prompted a response from Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the impact on the company’s resources. "Can y'all please chill on generating images? This is insane, our team needs sleep," Altman posted, highlighting the strain the trend has placed on the platform’s servers and engineering team.

In response to concerns about potential limitations on the model, Altman assured users that they would be doing the opposite of nerfing it, while still requesting users to ease up a bit. He also defended his team against suggestions to replace them, emphasizing their trajectory to build the biggest website in the world from a cold start. The viral trend has been described as a perfect storm, capitalizing on a positive vibe and a unique opportunity.

The allure of generating artwork inspired by Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio behind classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke, has been a major driving force behind the trend. Users have been experimenting with AI-generated versions of their family members, friends, and even public figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, all rendered in the distinctive Ghibli style. Brands have also jumped on the bandwagon, leveraging the trend for promotional content.

However, the Ghibli-style AI image craze is not without its detractors. Some critics have slammed the trend as disrespectful to the artistry and effort of Studio Ghibli and its co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki. An old video of Miyazaki resurfaced, in which he criticized AI-generated animation as an "insult to life itself," stating he would never incorporate such technology into his work. Critics argue that AI-generated imitations lack the heart, emotion, and storytelling of real artists and exploit creatives instead of supporting them.

Despite the criticisms, the trend continues to gain momentum. For those looking to create their own Ghibli-style AI videos, a Reddit user has reportedly discovered a technique to generate such videos for free, even without a paid subscription to OpenAI's Sora. Others pointed out that AI models like Google's Gemini or Grok can also create Studio Ghibli-style visuals with precise prompts.

The process for generating Ghibli-style AI images using ChatGPT involves opening the latest version of the chatbot, selecting the "Image" option, and entering a detailed text prompt describing the desired image. Users can also upload an image and prompt the AI to transform it into the Studio Ghibli theme.

As the Ghibli-style AI image trend continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how it will impact the future of art and creativity. While some view it as a fun and innovative way to reimagine the world, others see it as a threat to the value of human artistry.