AI superfans and influencers are in a frenzy, speculating about a rumored OpenAI feature called “Strawberry” or “Q*,” fueled by Sam Altman’s engagement and cryptic posts. (Source: Image by RR)

AI Influencers Stir the Pot with Wild Theories About OpenAI’s Next Big Release

The AI community is buzzing with speculation about a rumored OpenAI feature, possibly called “Strawberry” or “Q*.” Influencers and superfans are piecing together clues and engaging in fervent discussions, spurred on by interactions with OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, who has subtly encouraged the rumors with his social media posts. This behavior, as reported in aol.com, mirrors that of other fandoms, where tiny hints and cryptic messages lead to elaborate theories and online debates.

The excitement around these rumors has created a frenzy within the AI fandom, similar to how pop culture fans react to potential new releases or hidden messages from their favorite celebrities. These AI enthusiasts, unlike the “AI doomers” who fear the potential negative consequences of artificial general intelligence (AGI), are eager and optimistic about the advancement of AI. The rumored project “Strawberry,” frequently symbolized by the strawberry emoji, has particularly captured their attention, leading to intense speculation after Altman shared a seemingly innocuous photo of strawberries from his garden.

The drama intensified when an influencer, with a profile picture of Joaquin Phoenix from the movie “Her” and strawberry emojis in their name, falsely hinted at being an OpenAI insider with knowledge of the release date for Strawberry. This caused a stir in the community until the claim was debunked. Further complicating matters, another AI influencer, Lily Ashwood, became the subject of wild speculation when her unusual speech pattern in an X Space led some to believe she was not human, but rather a product of new AI voice technology. Ashwood later dispelled the rumor with a video of herself, though the incident highlighted the level of paranoia and excitement within the community.

Ultimately, this situation reveals a lot about the current state of AI fandom, where a dedicated group of enthusiasts eagerly interprets every clue and hint, often receiving just enough validation from influential figures to keep their theories alive. This phenomenon shows that AI has reached a new level of cultural impact, where even the mere possibility of new developments can trigger intense speculation and online meltdowns, much like those seen in other fandoms.

read more at aol.com