Artificial Intelligence has pushed the boundaries once again, and this time, it’s taken a beloved cartoon and transformed it into a 1980s sitcom. Brace yourself if you’re a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants.
With concerns raised by tech pioneers Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and Jaan Tallinn about the unchecked advancement of AI, it’s no wonder that this experiment has left people disturbed.
YouTuber JolyTool decided to showcase AI-designed versions of the iconic characters from SpongeBob’s world, and the results are both fascinating and eerie.
The lineup includes SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Crabs, Plankton, and Sandy, all reimagined within the nostalgic setting of an 80s sitcom. While the resemblance to the original characters is spot-on, the AI’s interpretation adds an uncanny and unsettling quality to them.
One viewer pointed out that Squidward bears a striking resemblance to actor Bill Nighy. Others marveled at the attention to detail, such as the AI’s attempt to place Mr. Krabs’ face on a dollar bill, implying an episode that never existed.
For some, the AI’s creations were like jazz music—abstract, niche, and incredibly creative. Plankton sitting next to his wife in this version was unnerving for one viewer. And the contrast in Squidward’s demeanor between the workplace and his moments with the clarinet was noted by another.
Yet, this experiment isn’t limited to SpongeBob alone. Hidreley Diao also tried a similar approach with characters from The Simpsons and shared the results on Bored Panda. Moe Szyslak, Milhouse van Houten, Bart Simpson, and Ned Flanders were transformed into eerily accurate renditions of real people. Childhood memories were shattered, and the cartoon characters felt uncomfortably real.
According to Hidreley, the decision to bring cartoon characters to life using AI was inspired by the acceptance of their cartoonish proportions. The AI experiment aimed to reimagine these characters as flesh and blood, blending them into our world.
While this AI experiment may leave us with mixed feelings, it undoubtedly showcases the power and creativity of technology. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect more experiments like these that push the boundaries of our imagination.
