Mariah Carey Warns of a Modern ‘Frankenstein Moment’ in Artificial Intelligence
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In a rare and thought-provoking statement, global music icon Mariah Carey has voiced strong concerns over the rapid, unexamined advancement of artificial intelligence, comparing the current technological rush to the moral recklessness of Victor Frankenstein. Her warning — that humanity risks creating its own “monster” if innovation continues without ethical reflection — arrives amid growing controversy over the use of AI in creative industries.
“The rush to adopt new technology without ethical self-examination mirrors Frankenstein’s fatal mistake,” Carey reportedly said, calling on society to “stop, reflect, and ensure that technological progress does not overwhelm human intelligence and responsibility.”
A Modern Monster: The Peril of Unchecked Creation
Carey’s critique comes at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the music landscape at breakneck speed. From AI-generated vocals to synthetic songwriting, artists are increasingly facing the unsettling prospect of being replicated — without consent or compensation.
The five-octave “Songbird Supreme” has personal experience with the confusion wrought by digital imitation. Late last year, Carey had to clarify that her Spotify Wrapped video — which some fans believed was AI-generated — was, in fact, genuine. She responded with characteristic humor, blaming “bad lighting and a red lip.” But the incident underscored a deeper issue: the blurring line between authentic human artistry and algorithmic mimicry.
Carey’s concern, much like Frankenstein’s regret, centers on the loss of control — the moment when the creation outgrows its creator, and human accountability fades.
Protecting Human Art in an Age of Machines
With over 200 million albums sold worldwide and 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, Carey’s catalog represents both commercial and cultural gold. Her holiday anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You” alone generates millions in annual royalties. Yet, such vast creative archives make artists like her especially vulnerable to the unregulated scraping of data used to train AI models.
This growing unease isn’t hers alone. In early 2024, the Artist Rights Alliance (ARA) published an open letter — signed by more than 200 major artists, including Stevie Wonder, Billie Eilish, and Nicki Minaj — condemning AI platforms that use copyrighted music without permission. The letter, printed in Billboard, called such practices a “direct attack on working musicians.”
Supporting data reflects the public’s shared apprehension. A 2024 UK Music poll found that 80% of adults believe artists’ work should not be used to train AI without explicit consent, and many demand clearer labeling for AI-generated songs and videos.
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Carey’s warning transcends the music industry — it’s about preserving the essence of what makes creativity human. Her career, spanning more than three decades, exemplifies the emotional range, spontaneity, and intuition that no algorithm can truly replicate.
Beyond her musical legacy, Carey earned acclaim for her acting, winning the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2009 for her role in Precious. The performance showcased her ability to channel lived experience into art — something inherently human, and impossible to synth
