oh how nice of chatgpt to pay for influencer brand trips to the woods before they destroy what’s left of the natural world https://t.co/7gcdWoLuRf

The event was said to be designed to give creators hands-on experience with the recently launched ChatGPT Work tools, with the aim of helping them better understand practical, everyday uses for the platform before sharing those experiences with their audiences.

However, people were left scratching their heads. And if you’re wondering why, a big part of the conversation comes down to the growing environmental concerns surrounding AI.

AI systems rely on vast data centres that require significant amounts of energy, water, and raw materials to build and operate. The electronic waste produced by these systems can contain hazardous substances including mercury and lead.

Once operational, these large-scale AI infrastructure data centres require huge amounts of electricity and water-intensive cooling systems to keep them running. 

"There is still much we don’t know about the environmental impact of AI, but some of the data we do have is concerning. We need to make sure the net effect of AI on the planet is positive before we deploy the technology at scale," Golestan (Sally) Radwan, the Chief Digital Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), shared.

For some, the trip was a harmless way to showcase the possibilities of AI – but for others, it felt like a strange disconnect from the growing concerns around the technology’s real-world impact.

A #ChatGPT #brandtrip right as the bubble pops? What do you mean?

Y’all could’ve just said no to the trip and avoided this.#chatgpt #brandtrip

… Is this the bad place?? 🫠😫 #openaibrandtrip #chatgptbrandtrip #influencersbelike #viraltiktoks #tiktokdrama

In a statement to BuzzFeed, an OpenAI spokesperson said: “Creators are an important part of our community and how people get information and learn about our products today. We welcome healthy debate as AI becomes more prevalent, and we value creators who choose to engage with us, attend our events, ask tough questions, and learn alongside everyone else. We’ll continue to value them, just as we do traditional media and other marketing partners.”

Additional photo credits: Artur Stec/Beyzaa Yurtkuran (Pexels)