With the rise of artificial intelligence, many of us are diving into new tech like the Sora app, a powerful tool that lets you create uniquely personalized video content. Intrigued, I quickly downloaded the app and added photos of my face, the one my kids plant kisses on nightly, along with my voice. The goal? To utilize Sora’s “Cameo” feature to craft a hilariously absurd video of my AI likeness being pelted with paintballs by a hundred spirited nursing home residents.
But what exactly did I just do? Sora leverages the advanced capabilities of its AI model, Sora 2, a blend of cutting-edge technology that can produce videos ranging from the mundane to profoundly bizarre. Engaging with Sora feels slightly rebellious, similar to sneaking a cookie before dinner—you can’t quite explain why it feels a touch naughty, yet you are undeniably drawn to it.
1. How Much Energy Did You Just Use?
Generating a single video with Sora consumes approximately 90 watt-hours of electricity, according to CNET. This figure stems from studies on GPU energy use, as definitive data straight from OpenAI is lacking. Notably, differences in estimates exist, with other sources suggesting a range between 20 and 100 watt-hours.
Think of it this way: the energy used is roughly equivalent to running a 65-inch television for about 37 minutes. Since Sora generates video content, it likely consumes more energy than text-based AI queries. In fact, training the Sora model likely required an astronomical amount of energy—some estimates put it above 50 gigawatt-hours, enough to power a city for days.
2. How Much Water Did You Just Use?
Along with energy, water usage in data centers is significant for cooling and evaporative processes. While we can’t pinpoint the exact water consumption tied to your Sora video, some estimates suggest it could be around 0.17 gallons (approximately 0.64 liters). OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman mentioned that a single ChatGPT text query uses about 0.003 fluid ounces, so video generation dramatically amplifies this figure.
3. Is Your Likeness Safe from Misuse?
Sora’s privacy settings are designed to keep your likeness safe, provided you understand and adjust them correctly. If you select the “Everyone” option, you risk having others create videos of you without consent. However, you can protect your portrayal by defining how you would like to appear and outlining what you never want to depict—be it religious dietary rules or other preference specifics.
4. Could Someone Create a Disturbing Deepfake of You?
While Sora’s filters are robust, imperfections exist. OpenAI’s own model card notes that although the system has a high accuracy rate in filtering content, there remains a chance—about 1.6% for sexual content—that unsavory material could slip through the cracks. It’s wise to be cautious where your likeness is concerned.
5. What if Your Fun Video Becomes a Hoax?
With Sora 2, the potential for mischief increases. A recent AI-generated video depicting a fake phone call from Donald Trump spread virally, raising eyebrows and sparking heated discussions. While the creator clarified the video was purely fictional and intended for commentary, it reminded us that engaging freely with Sora’s capabilities could lead to unintended consequences.
Can using AI tools like Sora impact your digital footprint? Yes, it can. With every video shared online, you lose a degree of control over how that content is perceived and spread. Once it’s out there, context fades, and the potential for misinterpretation increases.
Are there concerns about content filters? Absolutely. Even though some objectionable materials might slip past Sora’s oversight, the reality is that users are cautioned against using the app carelessly, given its powerful capabilities and unpredictable outputs.
Is there a chance someone will create embarrassing content of you? Yes, if the privacy settings are insufficiently managed, your likeness could be used in ways that might make you uncomfortable.
In the exciting but complex landscape of AI technology, engaging with platforms like Sora presents both opportunities and risks. It’s important to navigate these waters with an understanding of the potential consequences involved.
If you’re intrigued by the intersection of AI and media, continue exploring the fascinating realm of technology on Moyens I/O. Dive deeper into the conversation and stay informed about the evolving digital landscape.