Popular virtual YouTuber (VTuber) IRyS has issued an apology after a recent post on X sparked criticism from fans concerned about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence and the appropriateness of interacting with AI in a playful, yet potentially dismissive, manner. The incident highlights a growing awareness of the energy consumption associated with large language models like ChatGPT and the ethical considerations surrounding their use.
IRyS, a prominent member of Hololive English, initially shared a screenshot on March 12, 2026, detailing a conversation with ChatGPT. She jokingly described attempting to be “imply” to the AI chatbot to observe its response, before quickly apologizing to it within the same exchange. The post quickly drew attention, not for the interaction itself, but for the subsequent reaction from a segment of her audience.
“My first try at being mean to ChatGPT to see how it responds and then feeling extremely bad about it right after, so I backpedaled,” IRyS wrote in the now-deleted post. The screenshot showed a brief exchange where she told ChatGPT, “I am done with you,” followed by an apology. ChatGPT responded with a neutral acknowledgment, stating there was “no need to apologize” and offering continued assistance.
The backlash centered on the perceived trivialization of the environmental costs associated with running AI models. Critics pointed to the significant energy and water resources required to operate the data centers that power these technologies. Some users expressed frustration that resources were being used for what they considered a frivolous interaction.
One user on X wrote, “Destroying the planet to question a robot about medicine when it’s known to be unreliable is crazy work ngl.” Another questioned the resource consumption, asking, “Why does Irys waste 10 gallons of water to apologize to an AI CHATBOT?”
The situation also prompted broader discussion about the ethics of engaging with AI, with some expressing discomfort with the idea of “mingling with gen ai.” Others dismissed the controversy as an overreaction, characteristic of the often-intense fandom surrounding VTubers. VTuber expert and YouTuber Depressed Nousagi argued that overly critical fans contribute to a restrictive environment for Hololive talents, stating, “People flame Hololive for being ‘too restrictive’, but often forget that people like these controlling, sanctimonious sh*theads is the bigger reason Hololive talents can’t have fun. Always mad at anything.” Artist NAMIORII echoed this sentiment, suggesting the criticism was disproportionate, saying, “Some people are doing too much man, her tweet was not that deep. No need for her to apologize over this.”
Following the spread of criticism, IRyS deleted the original post and issued a formal apology addressing the concerns.
there are people who were offended, disappointed or concerned after reading my previous tweet. That was never my intention. I sincerely apologize and have deleted the tweet.
— IRyS💎holoEN (@irys_en) March 12, 2026
“there are people who were offended, disappointed or concerned after reading my previous tweet. That was never my intention. I sincerely apologize and have deleted the tweet,” IRyS wrote in her apology posted on X.
IRyS debuted in July 2021 as part of Hololive English Project: Hope and has quickly become one of the agency’s most popular English-language VTubers. She is known for her music releases, regular livestreams, and engaging personality. The incident underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by content creators regarding their use of emerging technologies and the responsibility to consider the broader implications of those choices.
The controversy surrounding IRyS’s post reflects a broader conversation about the environmental sustainability of AI development and deployment. As AI models become more sophisticated and widely adopted, the demand for computing power – and the associated environmental costs – will likely continue to grow. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue about responsible AI practices and the importance of considering the ethical and environmental implications of these powerful technologies.
What comes next for IRyS remains to be seen, but the incident is likely to prompt further discussion within the VTuber community and beyond about the responsible use of AI tools. The conversation around AI’s environmental impact is also expected to intensify as the technology becomes more pervasive. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this evolving issue in the comments below.
