When Sabrina Carpenter dropped her highly anticipated album, the internet went insane. But instead of the media beaming with excitement, the release of this album would spark controversy online, causing debates between fans and raising questions about the role of AI in pop culture media.
The album cover became the center of debate in social media. It shows Sabrina Carpenter in a mini dress and platformed stiletto heels, being grouped by the hair of an unknown man. Many fans argued that the album cover glamorizes abuse and fetishizes women, which only raised questions across communities about artists and their visual messages with symbolic meanings.
Norrin Almada, a sophomore, said, “I personally listened to the album and thought wow… This is kind of a step down from her previous albums. Fans say the cover was weird, repulsing even. Critics state that musically, it isn’t necessarily her best work. I find it disappointing that Sabrina would use AI-generated artwork. It’s dangerous for bigger artists to do that because it promotes the idea that the time and creativity of living artists is less than that of AI.”
However, not all fans were critical. Marcos Nevarez, a senior, said “When I first listened to Sabrina’s new album I was EXTREMELY excited. Her music is very catchy, and I enjoy the mocking nature of her songs towards men. Her latest single, Manchild, is just one example. Most female fans or anyone who has followed her from earlier albums would agree this album has a lot of enjoyable sons. Outside of that, specifically men, don’t really understand the appeal since the album is mostly targeted towards them.”
Nevarez also offered a perspective on the AI controversy. “The use of AI is becoming more and more of a problem that people realize. Even before it got mainstream, AI has already taken over a ton of jobs–cashiers, waiters, waitresses, delivery drivers, tutors like ChatGPT, etc. When it comes to Sabrina’s new album using AI for promotion stickers, this act is overall harmless for now. Her music is all original, and almost all of her other album covers have been original as well.”
For many, the album’s music cover, and AI use raises questions. Some defend Sabrina’s creativity, while others about harmful messages and AI’s impact.
“In the end, I’ll always support her music,” Almada said. “But the cover and AI stuff made me really think about what we celebrate as fans. Authenticity and respect should come first– we can have both.”
