There are several cases of AI and technology being used as one’s best friend or worst enemy. One of these instances is AI art, which is a controversial topic.
This is the case as, to some, it’s coming to the point where it’s becoming something to be wary of. In the grand spectrum of issues, it’s seen as a threat to artists. AI art in twenty years (unless it’s handled now) has the potential to erase human art forever.
This is a frightening possibility for those who want to have at least the opportunity to be artists or have a part in the animation industry. The concern stems from the fact that companies can use AI art to complete work animators can do in weeks in a few seconds.
Although it has flaws, it shows the lengths companies are willing to take to save on a few measly cents in the billions and billions of dollars hierarchy. It’s already happening with Disney.
Several have noticed how the art posted by Disney has been made by AI. This outraged several people as the pioneers of animation, who began one of the most iconic corporations in the industry, are demolishing the legacy Walt left behind.
This shows how companies, despite the possibility of AI replacing their positions with the higher-ups, are recklessly using AI art without thinking of the consequences of their actions. This isn’t the first time this has happened with a Disney property.
In Marvel’s “Secret Invasion,” the show heavily revolves around using AI. They used AI art to make the opening fit this technological theme. This decision sparked a lot of controversy in the community.
“Secret Invasion” received backlash for the choice of AI art and other outtakes, such as poor writing and bad CGI. In the modern day, the company has received claw marks upon claw marks of criticism of their films. However, this has been the worst the company has received in quite a while.
Many people tend to mock Disney for its classical cliche tropes. Alongside their refusal to change, people began using AI art to make fake posters of Disney films. The posters became such a meme that everyone began to follow.
Soon, it became a gag to laugh at these enticing art pieces. However, the corporation was not pleased and began taking down the websites for about a day. Since they weren’t official, there wasn’t much the mouse could do to stop this battle.
So, the mouse slightly altered the logo used by AI art adaptations of their posters. This caused, although subtle, a difference in their logos. This was set to avoid further controversy among the company.
Despite using AI art, Disney is frightened by the general public doing the same. This shows how the corporation, once a symbol of creativity and imagination, is now a former shell of what it once was.
Many fans continue to demand Disney to change their ways. The fans and people have some sparks of debate regarding the state of the land of wonder and endless possibilities.
“I feel like Disney, who was once a childhood classic, has turned into pushing a political agenda onto kids, and I don’t think that it’s right for children to be exposed to politics, racism, or homosexuality at such a young age. More like it’s turned closer to mature themes instead of childlike ones,” Gianna Ierubino, a freshman, says.
Sebastian Zapata, a junior, had another take on the current state of Disney. “I believe it’s good that Disney is letting children know it’s okay to have certain feelings and to teach kids at a young age not to be racist to one another. Though I agree there is a giant drop in quality with their recent content, I’m happy to know kids will grow up being able to see themselves on TV through representation and relatable characters instead of feeling alienated and alone.”
Disney has received several amounts of praise since Mickey first aired on screen. He ran and came into the hearts of many, remembering him as a legend in the animation industry. Some agree that magic still resides in the company, while others see the company’s actions as a mere cash grab.
The people who grew up with Disney, who may have loved or hated it as time progressed, know it as a legacy. Nevertheless, this only leaves one question on their minds: Can the Mouse continue living their magic happily ever after?
