After gaining attention with Studio Ghibli-style portraits, ChatGPT’s image generator is now powering a new wave of self-representation online – this time with users turning themselves into plastic action figures.

What began as a quirky trend on LinkedIn has now spread to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. The trend includes different takes, but the “AI Action Figure” version is among the most common. It typically shows a person recreated as a doll encased in a plastic blister pack, often accessorised with work-related items like laptops, books, or coffee mugs. That’s fitting, considering the trend’s initial traction among professionals and marketers on LinkedIn.

Other versions draw inspiration from more recognisable aesthetics, like the “Barbie Box Challenge,” where the AI-generated figure is styled to resemble a vintage Barbie.

The rise of the virtual dolls follows the earlier success of the Studio Ghibli-style portraits, which pushed ChatGPT’s image capabilities into the spotlight. That earlier trend sparked some backlash related to environmental, copyright, and creative concerns – but so far, the doll-themed offshoot hasn’t drawn the same level of criticism.

What’s notable about the trends is the consistent use of ChatGPT as the generator of choice. OpenAI’s recent launch of GPT-4o, which includes native image generation, attracted such a large volume of users that the firm had to temporarily limit image output and delay rollout for free-tier accounts.

While the popularity of action figures hasn’t yet matched that of Ghibli portraits, it does highlight ChatGPT’s role in introducing image tools to a broader user base. Many of these doll images are shared by users with low engagement, and mostly in professional circles. Some brands, including Mac Cosmetics and NYX, have posted their own versions, but celebrities and influencers have largely stayed away. One notable exception is US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who shared a version of herself with accessories including a Bible and a gavel, calling it “The Congresswoman MTG Starter Kit.”

What the AI Barbie trend looks like

The process involves uploading a photo into ChatGPT and prompting it to create a doll or action figure based on the image. Many users opt for the Barbie aesthetic, asking for stylised packaging and accessories that reflect their personal or professional identity. The final output often mimics retro Barbie ads from the 1990s or early 2000s. Participants typically specify details like:

• The name to be displayed on the box
• Accessories, like pets, smartphones, or coffee mugs
• The desired pose, facial expression, or outfit
• Packaging design elements like colour or slogans

Users often iterate through several versions, adjusting prompts to better match their expectations. The theme can vary widely – from professional personas to hobbies or fictional characters – giving the trend a broad creative range.

How the trend gained momentum

The idea gained visibility in early 2025, beginning on LinkedIn where users embraced the “AI Action Figure” format. The Barbie-style makeover gained traction over time, tapping into a blend of nostalgia and visual novelty. Hashtags like #aibarbie and #BarbieBoxChallenge have helped to spread the concept. While the Barbie-inspired version has not gone as viral as the Ghibli-style portraits, it has maintained steady traction on social media, especially among users looking for lighthearted ways to express their personal branding.

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Using ChatGPT’s image tool

To participate, users must access ChatGPT’s image generation tool, available with GPT-4o. The process begins by uploading a high-resolution photo – preferably full-body – and supplying a prompt that describes the desired figurine.

To improve accuracy, prompts usually include:

• A theme (e.g., office, workout, fantasy)
• Instructions for how the figure should be posed
• Details about clothing, mood, or accessories
• A note to include these elements inside a moulded box layout

Reiterating the intended theme helps ensure consistent results. While many focus on work-related personas, the style is flexible – some choose gym-themed versions, others opt for more humorous or fictional spins.

Behind the spike in image activity

ChatGPT’s image generation tool launched widely in early 2025, and its use quickly surged. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the demand became so intense that GPU capacity was stretched thin, prompting a temporary cap on image generation for free users. Altman described the load as “biblical demand” in a social media post, noting that the feature had drawn more than 150 million active users in its first month. The tool’s ability to generate everything from cartoons to logos – and now custom action figures – has played a central role in how users explore visual identity through AI.

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ChatGPT’s internet traffic has skyrocketed due to a spike in interest in AI-generated images styled after Studio Ghibli animations.

OpenAI noticed a large increase in engagement following the release of its image-generation tool, which enables users to create artwork reminiscent of classic titles like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Data from Similarweb shows that weekly active users passed 150 million for the first time this year.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on social media that the platform added one million users in a single hour – surpassing previous growth records. SensorTower reported that downloads and revenue through the ChatGPT app also increased. Weekly downloads rose by 11%, active users by 5%, and in-app purchase revenue by 6% compared to the previous month.

The rapid increase in use put pressure on the platform’s infrastructure. Users reported slowdowns and brief outages, forcing Altman to caution that future features may face delays while OpenAI manages capacity

Legal and copyright concerns with the ChatGPT x Ghibli

The viral trend has prompted discussion around copyright. Some legal experts have raised questions about whether closely-replicating distinctive animation styles could cross into infringement.

“The legal landscape of AI-generated images mimicking Studio Ghibli’s distinctive style is an uncertain terrain. Copyright law has generally protected only specific expressions rather than artistic styles themselves,” said Evan Brown, a partner at law firm Neal & McDevitt.

OpenAI did not respond to questions about how its models were trained or whether copyrighted materials influenced its image generator. Studio Ghibli has not issued a formal statement, but commentary from its co-founders has resurfaced.

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2016 reaction to an early AI-generated image drew attention last week. In a widely circulated video, he described the technology as “an insult to life itself.” The full clip shows him responding specifically to a zombie-like AI render, which he called “extremely unpleasant.”

In a recent interview, Studio Ghibli’s managing director Goro Miyazaki acknowledged the growing capabilities of AI. He claimed that AI-generated films could become a reality in the coming years, but questioned whether audiences would embrace them. He also acknowledged that while new technology could lead to new creative voices, it may be difficult to replicate the sensibilities of previous generations. “Nowadays, the world is full of opportunities to watch anything, anytime, anywhere,” he said, suggesting that younger artists may not share the same experiences that shaped Ghibli’s earlier works.

Studio concerns and industry shifts

Japan faces a shortage of trained animators, in part due to long hours and low wages in the industry. Goro noted that Gen Z may be less inclined to pursue the traditionally labour-intensive career path of hand-drawn animation.

AI tools are emerging as a faster, lower-cost alternative to visual storytelling. Studio Ghibli’s legacy includes a number of films that blend fantastical themes with personal and historical reflections. Miyazaki’s latest work, The Boy and the Heron, earned an Academy Award and may be his final project. Goro has contributed his own directorial efforts, including Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill, and helped develop the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park.

User privacy and data security

As more users upload personal images to generate stylised portraits, privacy advocates are raising concerns about how that data is collected and used. “When you upload a photo to an AI art generator, you’re giving away your biometric data (your face). Some AI tools store that data, use it to train future models, or even sell it to third parties – none of which you may be fully aware of unless you read the fine print,” said Christoph C. Cemper, founder of AIPRM.

OpenAI’s privacy policy confirms the platform collects user-provided and automatically generated data, including images. Unless users opt out or request data deletion, content may be retained and used to train future models.

Cemper said that uploaded images could be misused. Personal data may appear in public datasets, like LAION-5B, which has been linked to the training of tools like Stable Diffusion and Google Imagen. One reported case involved a user finding private medical images in a public dataset. Cemper said that AI-generated content has already been used to produce fabricated documents and images, adding that deepfake risks are increasing. “There are too many real-world verification flows that rely on ‘real images’ as proof. That era is over,” one user wrote on social media.

Navigating licensing and user rights between ChatGPT and Ghibli

Cemper urged users to be aware of broad licensing terms buried in AI platform policies. Terms like “non-exclusive,” “royalty-free,” and “irrevocable license” can give platforms broad rights over uploaded content. The rights may extend even after the user stops using the service.

Creating AI art in the style of well-known brands could also present legal challenges. Artistic styles like those of Studio Ghibli, Disney, and Pixar are closely associated with their original creators, and mimicking them may fall under derivative work protections.

In late 2022, several artists filed lawsuits against AI firms, alleging their work was used without permission to train image generators. The ongoing legal challenges highlight the tension between creative freedom and intellectual property rights.

Cemper added: “The rollout of ChatGPT’s 4o image generator shows just how powerful AI has become as it replicates iconic artistic styles with just a few clicks. But this unprecedented capability comes with a growing risk – the lines between creativity and copyright infringement are increasingly blurred, and the risk of unintentionally violating intellectual property laws continues to grow. While these trends may seem harmless,creators must be aware that what may appear as a fun experiment could easily cross into legal territory.

“The rapid pace of AI development also raises significant concerns about privacy and date security. With more users engaging with AI tools, there’s a pressing need for clearer, more transparent privacy policies. Users should be empowered to make informed decisions about uploading their photos or personal data – especially when they may not realise how their information is being stored, shared, or used.”

The post Viral Ghibli feature drives ChatGPT surge—What you should know before uploading photos appeared first on TechWire Asia.

OpenAI and Google are pushing the US government to allow AI models to train on copyrighted material, arguing that ‘fair use’ is critical for maintaining the country’s competitive edge in artificial intelligence.

Both companies outlined their positions in proposals submitted this week in response to a request from the White House for input on President Donald Trump’s “AI Action Plan.”

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