National crush Girija Oak expresses concerns about AI-morphed images

Marathi actress Girija Oak has shared mixed feelings about her recent surge in social media fame. While she appreciates the sudden attention, she is troubled by AI-morphed images of herself that have surfaced online. In a recent video posted to her Instagram handle, Girija urged people to stop sharing these manipulated images on social media.

“What has been happening on social media for the past three days has been absolute madness. It’s crazy and great in equal parts. I am suddenly getting a lot of attention. I am trying to figure out how to process it. There is so much love coming my way,” she said. The actress is overwhelmed by the love that she has been receiving and acknowledged the phone calls, comments messages from her friends, relatives, and people she knows. Girija even lauded the posts and memes that have been extremely funny and creative.

However, not everything about the sudden fame has been a positive experience for the actress. She discussed how she is scared and bothered by the AI-generated morphed images that are obscene. “Some of them are also AI morphed images, which are not in great taste. They are sexualised and objectified beyond comfort, and this bothers me. I am also somebody who lives in this day and age. I use social media myself. I am fully aware of how this works. When something becomes viral or trending, these kinds of images are made and circulated. We all know how this game is played as long as someone clicks on the posts and you get enough likes and interaction,” Girija says.

The actress expresses distress about the lack of rules and a sense of responsibility in the digital space. “What bothers me is that this game has no rules, and there is absolutely nothing that is not allowed in this game. I have a 12-year-old son. He does not use social media now. But, eventually, he will. Once he grows, he is going to have access to these images. They may be circulating right now, but they may remain on the internet forever. He is going to see these obscene images of his mother one day. It worries and scares me thinking about how he is going to feel,” Girija doesn’t hide her concerns about how these fake images are going to impact her son.

“He will know these are not real images and that they are morphed with the help of AI or are edited just as the people who are watching these images right now. But, it gives them some sort of a cheap thrill or titillation. This is scary! I am aware that I cannot do much about it. But, not doing anything is also not sitting right with me,” said the actress. She then addresses her audience and requesting  them to refrain from morphing images using AI technology. “If you are somebody who’s watching this video and using AI to morph images of women, men, or anybody into something that’s not appropriate, then you should think about it. If you are not somebody who edits and posts such pictures, but likes seeing them on social media, then you are also part of the problem. I can only request you to reconsider,” says Girija.

Girija is overjoyed by the newfound attention, as more people are discovering her films, series, and plays. “It’s such a thrilling experience, especially with so many more people watching my work. What more could I ask for? I hope you all continue to shower me with love, and I promise to keep delivering great performances,” Girija shares in the video.

Girija Oak Godbole, the latest social media sensation, has captured hearts across the nation, earning the title of the new national crush at the age of 37. A video from a recent YouTube interview of the actress has gone viral, catapulting her into the spotlight. In the clip, she’s seen wearing an elegant powder blue saree with a sleeveless blouse, which has become a topic of intense discussion online, making her one of the most talked-about names on social media.