The ’80s are making a comeback on social media, with celebrities and ordinary users joining a viral artificial intelligence trend that transforms their present-day photos into retro-style portraits.
The trend features big, teased hair, denim jackets, colorful statement earrings, neon lights and classic photo studio backdrops—giving users a glimpse of what they might have looked like during the decade.
Among the celebrities who joined the trend are the families of Robin Padilla and Jhong Hilario, while actress Sunshine Cruz recreated the ’80s look with her daughters.
Comedian Lassy Marquez also joined the craze taking the trend in both male and female ’80s-inspired looks.
The trend has also prompted many celebrities to revisit the real ’80s. Instead of using AI, Manilyn Reynes, Eric Quizon, Vina Morales, and Lilet Esteban shared actual photographs of themselves from the decade, giving their followers a glimpse of their real ’80s looks.
The viral craze has also reached ordinary social media users, who have been posting their own AI-generated throwbacks.
Google Trends showed that “1980s photo prompt AI” was among the top searches in the Philippines as of Friday morning.
ChatGPT has also launched its ’80s Flashback AI Image Generator amid strong public interest in the trend.
The tool allows users to take a photo or upload an existing image and transform it into an ’80s-style portrait while preserving their recognizable facial features, skin tone, age and appearance.
Its suggested prompt calls for retro hairstyles, clothing, accessories and surroundings, along with analog grain, faded colors and direct-flash effects to make the images look like authentic 1980s photographs.
Content creator Macoy Dubs also joined the online conversation, joking about the possible environmental impact of the growing use of AI.
“Mga mah, stop muna sa ’80s look na AI; mahina water supply namin. TY, mga sis,” Dubs posted on social media.
While the trend is mostly seen as harmless fun, technology experts are reminding users to be careful when uploading photos to AI services. Photos contain personal information that could reveal a person’s identity and physical features.
Experts also warn that such data could potentially be used to create deepfakes or synthetic media that may be used for fraud or deception.
The ’80s AI trend may be fun and nostalgic, but users are urged to think twice before uploading their photos and consider what personal information they are sharing.
