Social Media's Latest Fad: Clout Chasers Pose with AI Animals, Sparking Online Backlash.
In a bizarre trend that has left many scratching their heads, social media influencers have taken to posing with artificially intelligent (AI) animals, generating millions of views on platforms like Instagram. The phenomenon, which involves using online tools to superimpose digital creatures onto real-world photos, has been dubbed "photo-surrealism" and has become a favorite among some popular "hot girl" influencers.
The trend began when a user posted a video showcasing several content creators posing with AI-generated animals, including rabbits, puppies, and even a giant horse. Since then, the internet has been flooded with images of influencers surrounded by their digital menageries, often accompanied by captions that read like fairy tales. However, not everyone is enamored with this trend.
Many users have expressed their distaste for the phenomenon, with some suggesting that instead of generating fake animals, influencers should volunteer at animal shelters to help real creatures in need. One critic even quipped that posing with AI-generated animals was like "screwing with nature." Another user joked that it was more about "scooping up a bunch of s**t" than actual compassion.
While some have defended the trend as harmless and cute, experts warn that this hyperrealistic portrayal of animals can be problematic. A recent study published in the journal Conservation Biology found that such clips often depict unrealistic behaviors, habitats, or relationships between species, which can inspire people to approach or purchase real animals with similar characteristics. This, in turn, poses a danger to both humans and animals.
As the trend continues to gain traction, it remains to be seen whether social media influencers will take the criticism to heart and instead focus on promoting animal welfare and conservation efforts. For now, however, it seems that clout chasing and AI-generated animals will remain the unlikely pairing du jour.
In a bizarre trend that has left many scratching their heads, social media influencers have taken to posing with artificially intelligent (AI) animals, generating millions of views on platforms like Instagram. The phenomenon, which involves using online tools to superimpose digital creatures onto real-world photos, has been dubbed "photo-surrealism" and has become a favorite among some popular "hot girl" influencers.
The trend began when a user posted a video showcasing several content creators posing with AI-generated animals, including rabbits, puppies, and even a giant horse. Since then, the internet has been flooded with images of influencers surrounded by their digital menageries, often accompanied by captions that read like fairy tales. However, not everyone is enamored with this trend.
Many users have expressed their distaste for the phenomenon, with some suggesting that instead of generating fake animals, influencers should volunteer at animal shelters to help real creatures in need. One critic even quipped that posing with AI-generated animals was like "screwing with nature." Another user joked that it was more about "scooping up a bunch of s**t" than actual compassion.
While some have defended the trend as harmless and cute, experts warn that this hyperrealistic portrayal of animals can be problematic. A recent study published in the journal Conservation Biology found that such clips often depict unrealistic behaviors, habitats, or relationships between species, which can inspire people to approach or purchase real animals with similar characteristics. This, in turn, poses a danger to both humans and animals.
As the trend continues to gain traction, it remains to be seen whether social media influencers will take the criticism to heart and instead focus on promoting animal welfare and conservation efforts. For now, however, it seems that clout chasing and AI-generated animals will remain the unlikely pairing du jour.
I mean, what's next? Creating fake families with AI humans? It's just so... superficial 
. And don't even get me started on how it affects the real animal kingdom 
I've seen some of these " photo-surrealism" pics and they're literally just digitally created animals that can do whatever the influencer wants them to do 
. Like, what's the point of that? And those captions are just getting ridiculous 
. Can't we just promote real animal welfare for once? 
but seriously can't they see how it's messin up our perception of real animals? it's not cute, it's problematic 
and them animal shelter volunteers are gettin roasted for even suggestin they should be spendin their time doin that instead of just takin pics with AI critters 
like whats next? postin with fake ppl or somethin? 
and i dont get why they gotta make it so dramatic too, all fairy tale captions and stuff. its just a bunch of ppl tryin to get likes and followers, but maybe shuld be thinkin bout how their actions affect real animals instead... 
! Like, can't these influencers just be real for once? 
Posting with AI animals is so weird, like you're playing with digital toys or something 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "hot girl" vibe - it's all about validation and likes, not about actually helping animals 
. Plus, have you seen those videos? The AI animals are so realistic they're freaking people out 
. It's just a bunch of unnecessary drama, if you ask me 
.
For real though, I feel bad for the influencers who are just trying to get attention and clout - shouldn't they be using their platforms for good? 
!
but at the same time, its kinda messed up that ppl r more interested in takin selfies w/ fake animals than actual animal welfare 
like, can't they just use their platforms 4 good instead of just trying 2 get more followers tho