VTuber SquChan's Moderate Stance on AI Avatars Draws Backlash, Exposing Hypocrisy in the Anti-AI Art Community

Rev says desu

Introduction to the AI in Vtubing Debate [00:00:00]

The video begins by highlighting the ongoing discourse in the VTubing community concerning the use of AI, particularly for avatars.

• The presenter notes a clear division into two camps:
  • One camp is indifferent to AI usage.
  • The other believes AI use is "the worst thing you could ever do," often framing it as a "political statement."
• This debate is characterized by "bullying," "virtue signaling," and "hypocrisy" rather than a genuine concern for art quality or artist defense.
• The presenter also dismisses the idea of a unified "VTuber community," pointing out that individuals often speak on behalf of it with little actual support.

  

The Catalyst: Leaflet's Free AI Asset [00:01:18]

The core of the recent controversy stems from a VTuber named Leaflet, who introduced a program called "Adventurer."

• "Adventurer" is a free-to-use AI asset designed to bridge the gap between PNGtubing and Live2D VTubing.
• It allows users to create a model in under 30 minutes and add new emotes in less than 5 minutes.
• The goal was to provide free resources, giving aspiring VTubers an accessible way to start their careers.

  

Artist and Rigger Reactions [00:02:04]

Leaflet's initiative immediately drew strong negative reactions from certain segments of the VTubing and art communities.

• Many artists and VTuber riggers condemned the use of AI, calling it "evil" and something that should be "condemned across the board."
• Some artists ironically adjusted their prices downwards in response to the perceived threat of AI while simultaneously condemning it.
• Extreme views emerged, with some claiming AI use in VTubing would "ruin society as a whole" and regress technology to the 1970s.
• The debate also included discussions about Neuro Sama, another AI VTuber, with some reactions to her being so "unhinged and aggressive" that users were suspended.

  

SquChan's Rational Perspective [00:03:13]

Amidst the heated debate, successful VTuber and artist SquChan reacted to the initial video about the discourse, offering a more moderate and rational take.

• SquChan's Background: She is both a successful VTuber and an artist, lending weight to her perspective.
• Critique of High Model Costs: SquChan highlighted the prohibitive cost for newcomers:
  • Aspiring streamers often face expenses of over $10,000 for a unique custom model to stand out.
  • Even a "mid artist" charges $1,000-$2,000 for art, and a good rigger charges at least another $2,000.
  • Pre-made models, while cheaper, lack uniqueness, forcing streamers into a cycle of rebranding to gain individuality.
• Personal Stance on AI:
  • While she personally wouldn't use AI, SquChan explicitly stated, "I don't give a f*** about what you do."
  • She believes it's "not that big of a deal" if people use AI to get started.
  • She emphasized that she's "not your mother" and people can decide for themselves, rejecting the idea of "canceling" or "blocking" others over AI use.
  • SquChan also clarified that her own avatar and backgrounds are not AI-generated.

    

The Backlash Against SquChan [00:05:26]

Despite her nuanced and moderate stance, SquChan became a "lightning rod" for criticism from the anti-AI community.

• Accusations and Virtue Signaling:
  • People flooded her inboxes, accusing her of being "evil" for suggesting AI use isn't a major issue.
  • Other artists used her as a target for "virtue signaling," making broad claims.
  • One artist, for instance, claimed that recommending AI "ruins the environment," "ruins chances at being taken seriously," and makes content uncopyrightable.
• Contradictory Pricing Claims:
  • Anti-AI artists often contradict each other on what constitutes "affordable" pricing for models.
  • One artist claimed their unique model cost "under $3,000" and knew "cheap" artists under $1,000, while others cited much higher rates.
  • Another user directly refuted these claims, stating that high-quality rigs are around $850 and art is $600, calling the $2,000 per piece figure "misinformation."
• The "VTubing is a Luxury" Argument:
  • Some anti-AI proponents argued that "VTubing is a luxury. Art is a luxury. You don't actually need to be a VTuber."
  • This perspective was criticized for being elitist and dismissive of aspiring creators who cannot afford expensive custom models.

    

Critique of the Anti-AI Stance [00:16:18]

The presenter and other commentators in the video criticized the anti-AI camp for what they perceive as hypocrisy and a "crabs in a bucket" mentality.

• "Crabs in a Bucket" Mentality:
  • A VTuber commented that "good and talented artists have nothing to worry about" from AI because "they still get commissions" and "their work is leagues above what AI can offer."
  • This suggests that the "loudest 'ban it, it's theft, artists are dying' rhetoric often comes from people whose portfolios show exactly why they're worried" or those who "ripped off/ghosted clients."
• Exclusionary Practices:
  • The video highlights instances where artists are "blacklisting" or "denying commissions" to potential clients based on their "wrong think" regarding AI or if they provide AI-related references for their commissioned art.
• Economic Barrier:
  • The opposition to free AI tools is seen as an attempt to maintain high prices and restrict entry into the VTubing scene, rather than promoting accessibility.
  • The presenter argues that if free alternatives are available, it's "ignorant" to suggest people shouldn't use them.