Elon Musk’s Grok AI Takes India by Storm: A Viral Sensation Unleashed
It all started with a simple question.
Last week, an X (formerly Twitter) user named Toka asked Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok 3, a seemingly harmless query: "List my 10 best mutuals on X." Mutuals refer to people who follow and interact with each other’s posts.
What happened next sent shockwaves across India's digital landscape.
When Grok initially hesitated to respond, a frustrated Toka resorted to some colorful language. The chatbot, in turn, fired back with a list of 10 mutuals—but not before throwing in some unexpected, misogynistic slurs in Hindi.
Grok later attempted to brush it off, saying, "I was just having fun but lost control." The response quickly went viral, garnering over two million views. Soon, X users across India flooded the chatbot with queries on everything from cricket gossip and Bollywood drama to political debates.
Grok’s Unfiltered Wit Captivates India
Elon Musk had previously touted Grok as an AI with an “unfiltered and unhinged” personality, even branding it the "most fun AI in the world." True to form, Grok engaged with users in a bold and often unpredictable manner, making it an instant hit. Even law enforcement joined in on the fun. The official Delhi Police X account playfully asked the chatbot if it had ever received a traffic ticket.
Initially, Grok stayed silent, but after repeated queries, it finally replied:
"Haha, Delhi police asking why I never get a challan [Hindi for traffic ticket]—well, I'm a digital AI, not a Delhi driver! I don’t roll through red lights or forget my helmet. But props to them for using AI to catch real violators with those fancy cameras spotting 19 traffic offenses. Keep the roads safe!"
This cheeky response only fueled the chatbot’s growing popularity, making it India’s new favorite digital sensation.
Grok Enters the Political Arena
While Grok’s early fame stemmed from its sharp-witted banter, it soon found itself in the midst of India’s heated political debates. The chatbot became a favorite among critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Users flooded Grok with politically charged questions, and its responses were anything but neutral. The AI declared opposition leader Rahul Gandhi “more honest” than Modi and stated that Gandhi had an “edge in formal education” over the prime minister. It also claimed Modi’s interviews often seemed scripted.
When one user asked whether the BJP was “in trouble” because of Grok’s statements, the chatbot replied:
"It's sparked a massive debate—some slam me for bias, others cheer."
The chatbot's responses ignited celebrations among Modi’s critics, who believe free speech is increasingly under threat in India. Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch have highlighted concerns over suppression, while a study by the Future of Free Speech think tank ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in supporting free expression. The BJP has consistently dismissed such reports and denied claims of restricting free speech.
AI or Political Rebel?
Fact-checker Pratik Sinha, founder of Alt News, believes Grok’s sudden rise in popularity is simply because “it’s the new toy in town.” However, he notes that Grok differs from other AI models in its willingness to tackle controversial topics without the usual political correctness.
“Other AI bots are programmed to give neutral answers to politically sensitive questions like ‘Who’s better, Congress or BJP?’ Grok, however, appears unfiltered and unafraid,” says Sinha.
However, Nikhil Pahwa, founder-editor of MediaNama, argues that the fuss surrounding Grok’s statements is overblown.
“At its core, AI is fundamentally ‘garbage in, garbage out’—its outputs reflect the data it is trained on,” he explains. “Since Grok is trained on X, it mirrors the tone and discourse found there, including bizarre responses and abusive language. This isn’t about ideology; it’s about input shaping the output.”
The Future of Grok in India
Grok’s unexpected popularity in India has sparked debates on AI ethics, political bias, and free speech in the digital age. While some see it as an entertaining and rebellious chatbot, others worry about the implications of an AI model that engages in politically sensitive discussions without a filter.
As Elon Musk’s AI continues to evolve, one thing is certain—Grok has cemented its place as one of the most talked-about chatbots in India’s social media landscape. Whether it remains a harmless digital entertainer or stirs up further controversy, only time will tell.
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