AI has become a large topic of debate over the past couple of years. With that being the rise of online cheating or the massive increase in the stocks of tech companies and their visions of what they might do with the technology. However, over the past two weeks a new app has caused discourse around Ai to reach new heights, that being Sora AI. 

The app was made by OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, the largest AI company in the world. However, many don’t know that Sora has actually been around for over a year releasing in February 2024. The app has only gained popularity after its massive update that was released September 30th.

The app runs similarly like Snapchat and other forms of social media but is invite-only and very selective to get an account. Once you get in you create a profile and upload a picture of yourself. Then you can add friends or even licensed users like Jake Paul. Then just like ChatGPT you put in your prompt and which of your friends you want to use, and it can make a video for you in just a minute.

Despite the impressive innovation in technology many are outraged and upset over the news, especially with the battle of AI versus real art. When asked about her opinions on the matter, Matt McDonnell (12) said, “This is a massive overstep and is really dangerous for artists and their futures. While AI is still not perfect, it will only get better and more realistic, but it will never have that human touch.”

After only five days of Sora’s new update OpenAI had to issue another update. This was due to copyrighted characters from shows like “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” and “South Park” being available for use by users. After the internet became flooded with AI videos, OpenAI had to quickly update the site and restrict users from having free use with the characters.

Also, it’s not just fictional characters who are being used but also significant pop culture and historical figures. People like Martin Luther King Jr. JFK, and even Robin Williams are all available to the public to create whatever they want. This has upset the families of those who have died. While restrictions have been placed over likeness and what they can do, the figures are still available to be used by the public.

Sora has had many issues, but many have embraced the new technology. Giving his opinion, Braden Walker (10) said, “I think that it is all for fun. I use Sora all the time, but all I do is make funny videos of my friends who also have the app.”