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Influencer faces backlash for AI promotion, calls AI use a social taboo

Created at 29 Aug · 8:45 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Social media influencer Emma Orhun faced backlash for promoting Anthropic's Claude AI, describing the experience as "micro-canceled." She believes AI use is becoming a social taboo, particularly for women online, leading some users to be less candid about their AI tool adoption.

Who's Involved

Emma Orhun
Ottawa-based social media influencer and former Shopify design technologist
Anthropic
AI company that partnered with influencers for promotions
OpenAI
AI company that hosted a retreat for social media personalities
Influencer faces backlash for AI promotion, calls AI use a social taboo

↳ Why This Matters

The backlash faced by influencers promoting AI tools highlights a growing public apprehension and ethical debate surrounding artificial intelligence, potentially impacting candid discussions and adoption of these technologies.

Key facts

  • Social media influencer Emma Orhun described being "micro-canceled" for promoting Anthropic's AI.
  • Orhun received negative comments from followers, some stating AI is "bad for the earth."
  • Influencers who partnered with AI labs like OpenAI have faced criticism, with one event called "dystopian."
  • Orhun believes women online face greater scrutiny and are expected to take ethically correct positions on technology.
  • She worries that negative reactions are causing users to be less candid about their AI tool usage.

Emma Orhun, a social media influencer and former Shopify design technologist, described facing significant backlash after promoting Anthropic's AI tool, Claude. She characterized the experience as being "micro-canceled" and noted that subsequent discussions about the backlash also drew criticism.

Orhun is not alone in facing negative reactions; other influencers who have partnered with AI companies like OpenAI have also encountered criticism from their followers. An OpenAI-hosted retreat for influencers, which included workshops and a beekeeping seminar, was met with comments calling the event "dystopian" and "morally bankrupt."

Following her promotion, Orhun's followers expressed concerns, with some stating that AI is "bad for the earth" and threatening to unfollow her. Despite the criticism, Orhun maintained her stance, arguing that aggressive reactions are counterproductive to fostering understanding about AI. She also suggested that women online are often held to a higher ethical standard, expected to act as moral arbiters on various issues, including technology.

Orhun expressed concern that the ongoing negative sentiment surrounding AI use could lead individuals to become less open about their adoption and use of these tools, pushing them into an "AI closet." She differentiates her own use of AI, employing tools like Claude for coding and technical problem-solving, from generative AI for artwork, stating a personal preference for human-made art.

Frequently asked questions

In this context, "micro-canceled" refers to facing a significant backlash and harsh criticism from a social media audience for a specific action, such as promoting an AI tool.

Orhun faced backlash from followers who expressed concerns that AI is "bad for the earth" and criticized her for promoting the technology.

Orhun worries that continued negative reactions will make people less candid about using AI tools, leading them to keep their usage private.

What Happens Next

01Orhun continues to use AI tools for technical work but avoids generative AI for art.
02Orhun may adjust her public discourse on AI to reflect a more nuanced perspective.

How It Developed

Emma Orhun, an influencer, received harsh comments after promoting Anthropic's AI tool.
Orhun experienced further backlash after discussing the AI promotion on a podcast.
Other influencers promoting AI labs like OpenAI have also faced negative reactions.
Orhun believes women online are often expected to act as moral compasses regarding technology.
She suggests that continued backlash could lead to users being less open about their AI tool usage.

Sources

T1
This creator got 'micro-canceled' for promoting Claude. She says AI use is becoming a social taboo.Business Insider

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