Do you want a capybara to help you achieve your affirmation goals? Imagine hearing words like, “Visualize yourself as a capybara relaxing in a warm spring, letting all the stress drift away.” And with the assistance of AI towards a meaningful purpose? If there’s an artwork of an angelic capybara with round glasses and Hollywood-level hairstyle, count me in.
Curious? That’s Capybara Affirmations AI for you. Why, you may ask? When was the last time an AI tool brought a hint of joy into your life, beyond flashy presentations and lengthy threads on X?
@twizzles7 this is everything! https://t.co/5sJ5YgSNT6 pic.twitter.com/S5NguHuixl
— Krithika Bollamma (@Keebo93) July 15, 2024
Having used various AI tools over the past few years, I’ve come across one where users are so enamored that they’re impregnating their AI girlfriends virtually after paying a fee. It’s disturbing, but more concerning is the influx of get-rich-quick products in the digital space that focus solely on solving problems rather than bringing joy.
However, it wasn’t always like this in the digital world. There was a time when a simple fart app for the iPhone was making $10,000 a day, or the iBeer app was raking in double that for its creator. Even an app like Yo, which allowed only sending a “Yo” to friends, generated millions.
Mundane. Mindless. Joyful. Pure.
Then came the era of web3 and NFTs, inundating the digital space with snake oil products. Following the debacle of the crypto industry, AI took over in 2024. Everyone is peddling AI wrappers, turning AI into a scam, depleting resources, and delivering subpar hardware like the Rabbit R1.
Capybara loves you, Mithila https://t.co/she4XULPLc pic.twitter.com/s6nhobZ1eJ
— Capybara Affirmations AI (@capybaraffirmai) July 15, 2024
Above all, these technologies lack the element of fun. Even apps like Pi, touted as a psychological support system, are presented in a serious manner. Therefore, stumbling upon a social media post that merges mental health, AI, and a multi-modal capybara piqued my interest.
The app, as the name suggests, Capybara Affirmations AI, is a delightful take on mental health. It prompts you to enter your name, choose from a variety of moods, and then generates a capybara poster with a fitting self-affirmation to uplift your spirits.
Displayed here are some capybara-rich specimens shared by the tool’s creator, Tanya Van Gastel.
This fun AI project may not overshadow the productivity-focused affirmation tools with stellar App Store reviews. However, that’s not Capybara Affirmations AI’s goal.
It serves as a lighthearted approach to mental well-being, leveraging OpenAI’s GPT-4o model for conversations and Dall-E for creating those delightful posters. It was also trained on an abundance of capybara images.
“It’s AI for spreading positivity. What better use case can there be?” Van Gastel remarks. When asked why capybaras, her response is simply, “Why not?” Preferring a furry rodent over a fierce lion or a muscular bull for affirmation posters seems fitting.
Tanya Van Gastel
Before delving into the features of the web client, it’s essential to note that this isn’t just a frivolous pet project. The concept of affirmations has been scientifically validated.
It’s about creating a world with more positivity, more affirmations, more capybaras.
A study in the Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience journal reveals how self-affirmations trigger neural activities associated with valuation and self-processing regions in the brain. In essence, self-affirmations have a direct impact on brain functions, aiding in stress reduction, enhancing well-being, and boosting self-integrity and personal competence.
Claude M. Steel, a social psychologist and Stanford alum known for the self-affirmation theory, highlights that individuals are inclined to view themselves as competent and morally upright. Reinforcing these values through self-affirmation can lead to tangible actions.
If the scientific jargon seems dull, why not let a capybara boost your morale instead? “It’s a well-being project aimed at stress alleviation,” explains the entrepreneur, whose other AI venture — Multiverse AI — boasts clients like Google, Deloitte, and McKinsey.
In addition to crafting self-affirmation posters, there’s a Capybara Chat feature offering a plethora of mental health and wellness insights delivered in classic capybara style. It’s refreshing and verbose, with a community board included.
“You select your affirmation need, and receive a custom capybara image with a positive affirmation text tailored to your anxiety. A Capybara Affirmation,” Van Gasten elaborates.
Once you’ve exhausted your monthly quota of 15 affirmations, there are paid tiers available. For $5, you get double the affirmations, and $10 unlocks unlimited affirmations. Some paid for a fart app or virtual partners; if a capybara assistant aids in your mental wellness and life aspirations, why not give it a try?
Amidst the AI hype and superintelligence speculation, here exists something scientifically proven with tangible benefits and a touch of cute animals creating cool posters. Van Gasten is well aware of this trend.
“AI is often associated with job displacement or doomsday scenarios. It’s always negative. I want to counterbalance that negativity around AI,” she expresses. “AI can be a force for good, so let’s create applications that highlight its positive impact. AI for good. AI for affirmations. AI for capybaras!”
Capybara Affirmations AI is currently accessible as a web tool. For those inclined towards apps, an Android and iOS version is in the works, complete with daily affirmation notifications. All accompanied by cheerful capybaras, of course.
