A new trend is currently sweeping across social media as people campaign to protect the Western animation industry amid the rise of generative AI using the #RIPCartoonNetwork.
#RIPCartoonNetwork: The Call to Arms
To answer shortly all the questions from people using the hashtag on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, Cartoon Network has not been shut down or is already dead. At least on paper.
The whole trend started after the community-run Animation Workers United posted a one-minute clip urging people to make the #RIPCartoonNetwork trending across social platforms.
According to the group, the tag is intended to spread awareness of the current threats against animation workers as unemployment rates continue to increase across the industry for well over a year now.
Cartoon Network is dead?!?!
— Animation Workers Ignited (@AWorkersIgnited) July 8, 2024
Spread the word about what’s at stake for animation!!! Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using #RIPCartoonNetwork
Active members of TAG can help by filling out your survey! Today (7/8) is the last day! pic.twitter.com/dHNMvA1q0A
The video even explained how the job cuts and previous division merges have affected the animation industry despite its contributions to people's entertainment during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
As of writing, the video has already garnered over 5.2 million views in less than a day on X and another 1.2 million views on TikTok.
Also Read : SAG-AFTRA Issues New Contract to Protect Voice Actors in Animated TV Shows from AI Abuse
Where Does AI Fit In?
Amid growing unemployment rates among artists and animators, another emerging trend has been slowly becoming prevalent in the industry as developments continue to speed up.
Earlier in May, prominent AI start-up OpenAI was reported of holding discussions with Hollywood studio executives on potential applications of its video generator Sora in film and TV productions.
Among the AI's capabilities is to generate short 2D and 3D animations through prompts, putting many animators' and artists' jobs at risk of being eliminated.
Similar concerns were previously raised during last year's labor protest in Hollywood by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Both union guilds have demanded better protections for their members against the impact of AI in the industry.
Related Article : Are Online Protests Still Effective Today?
#RIPCartoonNetwork: Reminiscing the Golden Era of Animations
While not many users were using the hashtag for its intended purpose, the #RIPCartoonNetwork is still garnering attention online as people reminisce about the Cartoon Network shows that made their childhood.
Several of these posts even included the original video, ensuring that people would be more aware of the online campaign.
@skumrag #cartoonnetwork ♬ original sound - skumrag
