Belgian AI startup AiCandy has released an advertisement mocking AI’s increasing demand for energy. The spoof video imagines a fictional future in 2036 where humans generate electricity for AI systems through group workout sessions. The ad promotes a fictional company called “Energym,” which claims to power AI systems using energy generated by people cycling and rowing in fitness classes. The clip features AI-aged versions of tech leaders of today’s world and includes Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Jeff Bezos. While clearly presented as satire, the video has sparked strong reactions online, with some viewers saying it felt unsettling despite being a parody.

What is the viral add all about

In the video, an AI-aged Elon Musk says that by 2030, 80% of humans have lost their jobs to AI. An AI version of Jeff Bezos adds that although people have no money or purpose, they have “a lot of time on their hands.”

“What if we could use the energy of humans to power the machines that took away their jobs,” AI Musk said. “Energym solved out need for energy and your need for purpose,” AI Sam Altman quipped.The video suggests using human physical activity to power the machines that replaced their jobs. The scenario is presented in a dramatic tone, but it is not based on real developments. There is currently no evidence of such systems being planned or used.

Ad goes viral on social media

The video was shared by AiCandy on its Instagram page with the caption: “ENERGYMMove the worldIt’s 2036 and 80% of jobs have been replaced by Ai and robotics. After the stock market crash of 2026 the economy faltered and the US tech elite had to find a new way to keep the world moving:Energym – Human-powered AI systems, fulfilling both the machine’s need for energy and the people’s need for purpose”. The clip has gained wide attention on social media. The original Instagram Reel has crossed 4 million views, while reposts on X have received millions more. Some public figures also reacted to the video, with US Senator Chris Murphy writing that it did not feel like parody.AiCandy’s founders, Hans Buyse and Jan De Loore, told Business Insider they were surprised by the scale of the response. The company, founded in 2025, creates AI-generated videos. According to the founders, the ad was designed to respond to criticism that AI tools consume large amounts of energy.