ChatGPT hits record 1 million users in an hour amid overwhelming demand

In recent weeks, OpenAI's ChatGPT has experienced unprecedented growth, adding a staggering 1 million new users within just one hour following the release of a new AI image generation feature. This significant uptick in user activity reflects what OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described as 'biblical demand' for the chatbot, which operates using a natively multimodal model that is capable of generating high-quality, photorealistic outputs. Users have eagerly embraced this new feature, particularly enjoying the ability to create images reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, further fueling the platform's popularity. However, Altman has expressed concerns regarding the overwhelming demand. He took to X, formerly Twitter, to implore users to ‘please chill’ while generating images, noting that the volume of requests has placed a strain on the team and the system’s resources. This influx of activity has led to some operational challenges, including the introduction of image generation limits as the OpenAI team works to enhance efficiency. During the launch of the new image generation capabilities, which took place on March 25, the response from users has also sparked ethical discussions regarding the implications of AI tools that are trained on copyrighted work. Questions have arisen related to the impact on traditional artists and the creative community at large, especially since many AI-generated images mimic the artistic style of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli—both of which have received criticism in the past regarding the role of AI in animation. Ultimately, OpenAI's rapid expansion underscores the powerful intersection of technology and creativity while also highlighting the challenges that arise from such explosive growth. The company plans to further develop its offerings, with a recent funding round valuing it at approximately $300 billion, making it one of the world's most valuable private enterprises. This has positioned OpenAI as a significant player in the AI sector, with ambitions to drive forward-thinking research and innovation in artificial intelligence.