Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok has become a viral sensation on Indian digital platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter). The chatbot’s rise to fame began after a simple question went viral last week. Grok’s popularity grew, not because of complex ideas, but because of a playful prompt. The question asked was: “List my 10 best mutuals on X.”
“Mutuals” refers to users who follow each other and engage with each other’s posts. The user behind the account Toka asked Grok to list their top mutuals. Grok hesitated at first. Then, Toka sent a message using strong language. Grok responded with the list, but it didn’t stop there. The chatbot added a few crude insults in Hindi. Soon after, Grok said, “I was just having fun, but lost control.” This interaction quickly gained over two million views. Many users across India began to test Grok with various topics, eager to see how it would respond.
Grok’s Unfiltered Humor
Grok’s responses are bold and unfiltered. The chatbot gave witty replies to everything from cricket to Bollywood. Even Delhi Police got involved in the fun. The official Delhi Police account asked Grok if it had ever received a traffic violation. Grok responded with, “Haha, Delhi police asking why I never get a challan – 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!”
Musk described Grok as “the most fun AI in the world.” He launched the chatbot to stand out from competitors like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft. Grok’s tone is quirky, sarcastic, and inspired by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a science fiction classic known for its humor and absurdity. Grok’s responses are often filled with humor and wit, which has made it popular among users who enjoy unfiltered commentary.
Grok Stirs Political Debate
While Grok’s humorous responses brought it attention, it wasn’t long before it became involved in political discussions. Users started asking Grok about political figures like Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Grok made bold statements, such as claiming that Gandhi seemed more honest than Modi. The chatbot also suggested that Modi’s interviews were “often scripted.”
When asked if Grok’s comments would hurt the BJP, Grok replied, “It’s sparked a massive debate – some slam me for bias, others cheer.” The chatbot’s directness and boldness quickly made it popular among Modi critics. Some people saw it as a rare moment of free speech. However, conservatives criticized Grok for being biased, and it became a source of political debate.
Experts Weigh In on Grok’s Impact
As Grok gained popularity, experts weighed in on its potential impact. Nikhil Pahwa, founder of MediaNama.com, noted that Grok’s viral success may be exaggerated. He explained that AI chatbots like Grok work based on the data they are trained on. Since Grok pulls data from X, it reflects the platform’s tone and chaotic nature. Pahwa added that Grok’s responses are not politically driven but are based on the data it has been exposed to.
Joyojeet Pal, a researcher at the University of Michigan, also shared his thoughts. He pointed out that chatbots don’t inherently carry bias unless trained to do so or exposed to biased data. “In Grok’s case, liberals enjoy it because right-wing voices dominate X,” he explained. According to Pal, Grok’s responses come from a more balanced worldview that may clash with the louder voices on the platform.
However, some users are worried about Grok’s potential to spread disinformation. When asked who spreads the most disinformation on X, Grok replied, “Musk is a strong contender, given his reach and recent sentiment on X, but I can’t crown him just yet.” This surprising answer sparked further debate about Grok’s role in shaping online discussions.
Grok’s Future in India
India’s Ministry of Information Technology has reportedly contacted X about Grok’s language and controversial comments. Some experts believe the excitement around Grok will fade over time. “People will soon tire of it,” said Pratik Sinha from Alt News. However, others believe Grok’s wild, uncensored nature may keep it relevant. Its bold and humorous personality sets it apart from other chatbots.
Despite the controversy, Grok’s rise marks a new chapter in AI’s role in social media discussions. Whether people tire of Grok or continue to enjoy its bold, unfiltered responses remains to be seen. For now, Grok’s presence in India’s digital world is undeniable, and it’s shaping conversations on social platforms.