Chat GPT is back in the spotlight, but this time it's not for writing essays or answering trivia - it's for turning you into a doll. The AI Barbie Box challenge is the latest viral trend taking social media by storm.
All across Ireland, people are uploading selfies and transforming themselves into hyper-realistic action figures, complete with accessories and custom boxes.
The idea is to upload a photo of yourself, use a simple ChatGPT prompt and let the AI work its magic. The result is a boxed-up miniature version of yourself that looks ready for the shelves in Smyths Toys Superstores. Some go for full-on Barbiecore, while others opt for superhero energy or quirky, ultra-personal branding.
Even celebrities and big names are jumping on the trend. Dublin Airport created its own version, Dubby, the Dublin Airport mascot, a boxed doll version of its famous hares, complete with passport, suitcase, an orange… and an obligatory pint of Guinness.
Politicians haven't escaped the AI treatment either, with figures like Donald Trump, Liz Truss and Keir Starmer getting the doll makeover.
Social media users can't get enough of it. One person wrote: “Can we talk about how CUTE these action figures are?! I mean… is this not giving main character energy? Apparently, ChatGPT is here to feed my delusion. I didn’t know I needed a mini version of myself until now!”
Another added: “Ahhh right!! Never one to become a laggard in this new AI era - loving these ChatGPT image prompts."
Someone else commented: "Of course I had to jump on this AI trend - because seeing myself as a mini photographer doll? ICONIC. This ChatGPT trend has taken over my feed, and honestly… I’m obsessed."
How to create your own AI action figure
- Open the ChatGPT app or visit it in your web browser.
- Upload a photo of yourself to ChatGPT.
- Use this prompt: "Using this photo, create an action figure style image in a box. Inside the box, include [list of accessories]. The box should say [your name[ in large writing, and underneath it should say [your description]. The box should use [brand colours]."
And that's it. Within seconds, you'll have your very own boxed-up alter ego.
This isn’t the first time ChatGPT has fuelled a visual trend. Just last month, Irish users were hooked on turning their photos into Studio Ghibli-style animations, mimicking the look of beloved films like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro.
That particular trend sparked debate in artistic circles - especially after a viral clip resurfaced of Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki condemning AI-generated art. "I am utterly disgusted", he said in a 2016 video, calling the technology "an insult to life itself".
His words are a powerful condemnation of artificial creativity, as it contrasts with the current excitement surrounding AI art.
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