Recommendations of the Editorial team
Hayao Miyazaki, the co -founder of Studio Ghibli and one of the most respected creators of animated films, already critically commented on the use of artificial intelligence in cartoons in 2016. In a documentary he was presented to a AI generated animation, whereupon he said he was “deeply disgusted”. Miyazaki described the technology as “an insult to life itself”.
You may imagine what he thinks when millions of pictures have been shared by the network and on social media for a few weeks, which show everything possible in Miyazaki style. Also included are iconic pictures such as Trump’s determination fist after the attack on him. But also Instagram influencer in front of the mirror.
The trigger is a small tool of the AI platform Chatgpt. This trend, often referred to as “ghiblification”, has also triggered ethical discussions. Is copyright disregarded here? How about respect for artists?
AI changes to the extent that people use it
The real problem here has nothing to do with the popularity (and obviously very precise drawing technology) by Hayao Miyazaki. Rather, the gimmick reveals that AI is still largely used for entertaining or less serious applications. Artificial intelligence belongs to the future in almost all technical areas, its influence is already much larger than the public discourse reveals.
But AI also needs training, it continues to develop how people use it. Actually, it would be worth a utopia. However, if the users who use chatt and Co. in particular do not have much more in mind than to generate silly pictures, funny films and deliberately exhibited pirated copies or imitations, then the skepticism in front of the system will grow and ethical and legal issues will deteriorate to the marginal note.
In addition, AI has a price that is only upset for pure use for fun: the operation and training of AI models are associated with considerable energy consumption, which leads to corresponding CO₂ emissions. According to a study by the management consultancy McKinsey, the electricity requirements of data centers in Europe could increase to more than 150 terawatt hours by 2030, which would make up about five percent of the total European power consumption.
In the films by Hayao Miyazaki, the harmony of humans with nature has been in the focus since his first films. Authenticity and personal development, but also the value of work and art are always visible. This spiritual dimension also swings with the AI memes. Then maybe prefer a film evening with “Princess Mononoke” and “Ponyo”.