A new viral trend is turning people into AI-generated caricatures, and ChatGPT is leading the craze. Users upload a photo and ask the AI to create a cartoon version of themselves in a work-related scene. The results are often exaggerated but surprisingly accurate.
The trend spans a wide range of professions, from medical residents and teachers to personal trainers and real estate agents. Many participants share the images online, impressed by how well the AI seems to capture their professional identity.
Boston University medical resident Dr. Jose Meade posted his caricature featuring medical objects, writing that “the more you look at it, the more accurate it is.” Users can also provide extra details about their workday, attire, or job role to improve the AI’s output.
While similar effects exist through apps like Cartoonify, the ChatGPT version is unique because it reflects what the AI “knows” about a user from past interactions. The more information the AI has, the more personalized the caricature can be.
However, the trend raises privacy concerns. Participants often share photos and personal details online, which can be stored, downloaded, or circulated without restriction. Experts note that AI platforms are not bound by the same confidentiality rules as professionals like doctors or lawyers.
Despite these concerns, many users consider the fun factor to outweigh the risk, enjoying the whimsical way AI reimagines their appearance and professional life.
The trend highlights the growing role of AI in entertainment and social media, offering playful ways to explore self-image while prompting questions about data use and privacy.
