ChatGPT’s Barbiecore trend is turning everyone into a doll, and the internet is loving it

AI Barbiecore trend
AI Barbiecore trend (image via Instagram/@jennifereckhart)

The internet loves the new ChatGPT Barbiecore trend, and here is how you can participate too.

The internet's latest obsession is turning images of themselves into a different character using AI. Whether that is the controversial Ghibli Studios image trend that was going on a few weeks back or the latest AI Doll trend that has taken over TikTok and Instagram.

In an attempt to revive the 2023 Barbiecore trend, users are turning day-to-day images of themselves into nostalgic boxes with personalised accessories, colour palettes, and whatever else can be manipulated by a simple prompt. And not just people but brands are also jumping on the bandwagon and using this trend to market their products and services.

Endless results of this trend can be found using hashtags like #BarbieBoxChallenge and #aibarbie. The image, which is generated using ChatGPT, features a plastic packaged doll resembling the user, reminiscent of Barbie dolls from the 90s and early 2000s, complete with sunglasses, bags, a camera, a printed or plain background and more. The dolls themselves take the shape of the image presented to them, along with the plasticky painted glossy look you can only find on Barbie and Ken.


The Internet reacts to the AI Barbiecore trend

Social media users across the internet have taken on this trend in their stride, creating their own unique dolls and packaging,

"Jumping on the bandwagon with my AI Doll in a Box - not sure anyone is buying Barbie Immigration lawyers so i'm going to say it would be a rare collectible,"- one netizen stated while creating her doll.
"This is certainly a trend making the rounds this week, it's such a fun idea!"- another user said.
One person also commented,- "Loving how AI blends creativity and tech in such a fun way."

How to turn yourself into an AI Barbie doll?

If you also want to try this out for yourself, it's a relatively simple process.

  1. The first step is to log into your Chat GPT account on any device. If you don't have an existing account, you can quickly create one.
  2. Next, you need to attach an image of yourself, preferably full body, and if it's only a headshot, you would need to be even more specific with your prompt.
  3. The third step, which is the most important, is to create a personalised prompt curated to your needs. You need to be as specific as possible to make your vision come to life. Add personalised details that work with your career, brand or personality, like a tie, gym equipment, books, coffee and more. Example:
"Turn this photo into a realistic Barbie doll action figure in a colorful plastic toy box packaging. Include accessories like bag, phone, camera and more. Add a bow in my hair and purple heels to complete the look. The box should say (Your name or Catchphrase) in the Barbie font at the top. Use bright colors and patterns to decorate the box."

Hit enter and wait for the magic to happen. You can also go back and edit your prompt anytime if you are not happy with the end result. Play around and see what works best for you.

Though celebrities have the privilege of having actual dolls made after them, this is a great way for people to have a smidge of that experience themselves and be able to see how they would look as a toy worthy of being in the next Toy Story.

Edited by Ayesha Mendonca