ChatGPT is back in the spotlight, this time for inspiring a fresh wave of digital self-expression that’s sweeping LinkedIn and beyond. The latest trend? AI-generated action figures—miniature, toy-like versions of users designed to reflect their personal and professional identities.
It all kicked off after the viral success of Studio Ghibli-style portraits, and now the focus has shifted to playful “boxed doll” images. These creations mimic toy store packaging, often styled like Barbie or classic action figures. Each version includes job-themed accessories—think laptops, coffee mugs, or books—and witty taglines that give each image a unique brand personality.
Professionals across LinkedIn were quick to adopt the trend, using it to inject a dose of creativity into their personal branding. From consultants to marketers, users began crafting digital doppelgängers that embody their roles, interests, or aspirations. The fun quickly spread to Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, though LinkedIn remains the trend’s main stage.
At the core of this phenomenon is ChatGPT’s image generation feature, part of its latest GPT-4o rollout. Users typically upload a high-quality, full-body photo of themselves, paired with a detailed prompt describing how they want to appear. The final product might feature a “Barbiecore” aesthetic—complete with sparkles and pink themes—or a sleek, minimalist vibe to reflect a more corporate tone.
Refinements are common. Many people generate multiple drafts, tweaking props, outfit colors, and packaging slogans until the image aligns with their vision. It’s a mix of humor and personal storytelling, wrapped in a toy-like digital display that feels both novel and nostalgic.
Despite not reaching the same viral heights as the Ghibli portraits, the AI action figure trend has carved out its own niche. Hashtags like #AIBarbie and #BarbieBoxChallenge are gaining momentum, and some brands, such as Mac Cosmetics and NYX, have already jumped in. Even public figures are experimenting with the format—U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene recently shared her own action figure, complete with a Bible and gavel.
Still, not every post goes viral. While the format is generating buzz, engagement tends to vary. Many influencers have steered clear, possibly viewing it as too niche or fleeting. But that hasn’t stopped everyday users from embracing the trend, which continues to grow steadily as a form of digital self-branding.
This isn’t the first time ChatGPT’s image tools have caught fire. When Ghibli-style portraits first made the rounds, demand spiked so dramatically that OpenAI had to pause image generation for free users. CEO Sam Altman described the rush as “biblical,” citing an overwhelming increase in daily activity and pressure on the system’s infrastructure.
Although this new trend is unfolding on a smaller scale, it shares a similar origin: simple, intuitive tools that allow people to create something memorable with minimal effort. It’s another sign of how AI is reshaping how people interact, create, and represent themselves online.
What makes the action figure format especially appealing is its versatility. It sits somewhere between a headshot and a social media meme, offering users a quirky yet meaningful way to tell their story. There’s no need for advanced tech skills—just an idea, a photo, and a few clicks.
For now, the internet is filling up with tiny versions of professionals holding briefcases, laptops, or cups of coffee, all packed in virtual boxes with punchy slogans. Whether you see it as a gimmick or a glimpse into the future of self-expression, one thing’s clear: ChatGPT is once again reshaping digital culture—one doll at a time.
