Each new advancement in AI chatbot capabilities leads to an inevitable flood of users attempting to replicate the magic of renowned artists. Most recently, celebrated Japanese animator and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has become the subject of countless AI-generated imitations, with social media awash in images claiming to capture his distinctive style—so much so that a prominent tech CEO has even adopted such imagery for his social profile.
Yet these AI creations merely “pretend” to be authentic Ghibli works, much as one might humorously claim to resemble a Hollywood star. While colours and general shapes may approximate the original style, a closer inspection reveals fundamental differences. Characters lack genuine eye contact. The nuanced modelling of light and shadow—hallmarks of Miyazaki’s artistry are conspicuously absent.
A recent YouTube video purporting to reimagine Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” in Miyazaki’s style exemplifies this shortcoming. Pause during any frame of an authentic Ghibli film like “The Boy and the Heron”, and you’ll notice meticulously drawn facial expressions, even for background characters. By contrast, the AI-generated images of orcs appear virtually identical, lacking individuality and depth.
This is not to imply that one cannot use AI for authentic artistic creation. When someone invests time and care to refine each image—wielding generative prompts with the same finesse as a paintbrush—AI can indeed become a legitimate artistic medium, albeit through a mentally taxing process. However, producing derivative works that only superficially resemble the original artist’s vision falls short of authentic artistic expression.
The proliferation of such content is concerning on multiple levels. For viewers who mistake poor imitations for quality art, there’s a significant loss—they’re denied the full, rich experience that masterful works like those from Studio Ghibli can provide. More broadly, this dynamic reflects a troubling pattern in how we engage with artificial intelligence.
AI excels in converting labour-intensive tasks into more efficient processes that still integrate human judgement. These advances could dramatically enhance productivity and well-being across various sectors.
In education, for instance, the British government is exploring ways to reduce the administrative burdens that consume teachers’ valuable time and energy. Meanwhile, in healthcare, pilot projects have already demonstrated success in freeing up medical professionals by streamlining tasks that previously required hours to complete.
Despite these promising applications, we must remember that AI is not an infallible oracle but rather a powerful tool requiring careful oversight. Growing evidence suggests many users are failing to maintain this critical perspective—research indicates frequent chatbot use can increase feelings of isolation and dependence.
Similarly, studies indicate that less skilled programmers don’t necessarily improve their abilities through AI use; instead, they often become more complacent about their shortcomings.
The hazards of over-reliance on technology aren’t new. From flawed software that led to wrongful fraud convictions in the postal service to questionable algorithmic sentencing guidelines in criminal justice, we’ve seen the consequences of surrendering human judgement to automated systems.
What makes the current AI revolution distinct is the combination of tremendous potential with unprecedented risk. Used thoughtfully, these technologies can transform our world for the better. Employed carelessly, they could have devastating consequences.
Ironically, this technological advancement reminds us of a timeless truth: the most valuable education provides not just skills but knowledge and meaning. Cultivating meaning requires encouraging people to look beyond the surface—whether examining the intricate details in an animated scene or questioning the output of an allegedly “intelligent” machine.
In an era of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence, our most important capability remains distinctly human: the capacity for discernment, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice.
