What Is The Tesla Cybertruck AI Copypasta All About? The Ironic Algorithm-Hacking Spam Caption, Explained

The entrance of AI-generated content onto an already quite bizarre internet has added a level of strangeness that few could have anticipated. When AI-powered recommendation algorithms meet AI-generated texts and images, the results are odd. When you add the cleverness and chaos-loving instincts of meme-makers to that mix, the results can be downright gorgeous.

This is why "The Tesla Cybertruck Is an All-Electric Battery-Powered Light-Duty Truck Unveiled by Tesla, Inc." is appearing everywhere as a caption on seemingly-unrelated phonk edits posted to Instagram Reels. Let's explain how this odd meme came about, and what it says about the state of AI and the web.

Where Does The Tesla Cybertruck Copypasta Come From?

The Tesla Cybertruck copypasta meme is inspired by the "No Problem! Here’s the Information About the Mercedes CLR GTR" copypasta, which became prominent early in 2024. Both of these apparently ChatGPT-generated chunks of text are copy-pasted into posts as captions in a likely attempt to game the algorithm.

The texts appear to be informative, which Instagram's algorithm is biased in favor of, and contain many high-volume keywords. By using the ChatGPT-generated car informational captions, accounts looking for wider reach and better numbers can trick the algorithm into promoting them. Often, these accounts were low-quality repost or spam accounts.

The Mercedes CLR GTR copypasta emerged in January of 2024, while the Tesla Cybertruck version emerged in May. From there, a variety of accounts started using the copypasta captions both as an attempt to game the algorithm themselves, and as an ironic reference to the spam accounts that use these tactics.

How Is The Tesla Cybertruck Copypasta Used?

It appears as if the Tesla Cybertruck copypasta is a bit of an ironic take on the AI-generated captions trend. The Tesla Cybertruck is already one of the most-memed motor vehicles in existence, so swapping out the Mercedes CLR GTR for a different car that has higher name recognition and seems more robotic might be read as an artistic choice on the part of meme makers.

The captions seem to pay homage to the spammer accounts that now take up a lot of space online and drive much of meme culture. They could also be interpreted as an ironic joke about the ubiquity of these accounts and the tactics they use, which fool algorithms but strike human users as off-putting and artificial.

What Does The Tesla Cybertruck Copypasta Mean?

The captions also add an element of surreal unexpectedness to accounts that already post deeply abstract and discordant edits, fitting with their overall mood and aesthetic.

It also mocks the style and vibe of AI-generated text, showing that posters and the users who understand their references are in the know when it comes to AI.

What Is The Tesla Cybertruck?

The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric, battery-powered light-duty truck unveiled by Tesla, Inc.

Here's a comprehensive overview of its key features and specifications:

Tesla Cybertruck Overview

Design and Structure

• Exterior: The Cybertruck has a distinctive, angular, stainless steel exoskeleton design for durability and passenger protection. It features ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel and armored glass.

• Dimensions: Approximately 231.7 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, and 75 inches tall, with a 6.5-foot cargo bed.

Performance and Variants

• Single Motor RWD:
◦ 0-60 mph: ~6.5 seconds
◦ Range: ~250 miles
◦ Towing Capacity: 7,500 pounds
• Dual Motor AWD:
◦ 0-60 mph: ~4.5 seconds
◦ Range: ~300 miles
◦ Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
• Tri-Motor AWD:
◦ 0-60 mph: ~2.9 seconds
◦ Range: ~500 miles
◦ Towing Capacity: 14,000 pounds

For the full history of the Tesla Cybertruck copypasta, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.