Disturbing TikTok tendencies aren’t precisely something new. Grimace’s milkshake scared the hell out of everybody in 2023, so the concept of “time vacationers” messing with timelines and altering memes is roughly in the identical existentially terrifying camp. It is haunting to see folks whose movies made us snicker are actually operating for his or her lives, with males in fits typically in tow. However what’s attention-grabbing is what this pattern actually has to say about generative AI as an entire and the way it might by no means accomplish something as influential because the Success Child meme.
The above video essay from PyroLIVE does a superb job of breaking down how AI is destroying memes. Memes and viral movies are, partly, profitable as a consequence of their simplicity. For instance, take the Catastrophe Woman meme the place a younger lady seems on the digicam with a sinister expression whereas a home burns within the background. It is usable for quite a lot of conditions as a response picture when somebody might have executed one thing unhealthy. Now, take this thread on X (previously generally known as Twitter) from @AngryTomtweets the place AI is used to show picture memes into movies. The Catastrophe Woman picture is now a video, solely it strikes away from her towards some firefighters discussing one thing. What’s the level of that? The younger lady showing as if she brought about the fireplace is what makes the picture humorous, not some random firefighters.
However therein lies the problem with AI. It may possibly’t do something good; it could possibly solely offer you extra. That is the case with the AI-“enhanced” Vines. Including additional materials just like the Kazoo Child operating away provides nothing to the humor or context. AI creates stuff, however solely people can create artwork, even when it is a foolish meme.