In any conversation about artificial intelligence, the hit series “Black Mirror” usually comes up, thanks to its stories about humans’ lives being impacted by technology, mostly for the worse. ‘ According to series creator Charlie Brooker, while “Black Mirror” often showcases the darker side of technology, he doesn’t view artificial intelligence or technology itself as inherently bad. The most recent season of “Black Mirror,” streaming on Netflix, featured an episode titled “Joan is Awful,” starring Salma Hayek and “Schitt’s Creek” star Annie Murphy. The episode revolves around a woman named Joan, whose life is ruined when her every move is turned into a TV show, thanks to AI-generated content. The creator of ‘Black Mirror’ nails it AI technology itself isn’t the issue, but rather how we choose to wield it. Responsible use and ethical considerations are key to harnessing its potential for good. — Crypto Professor X (@CryptProfessorX) August 23, 2024 “If the episode was helping to — in its own comically grotesque way — articulate some of the dangers and some of the problems and fears, then that’s especially satisfying,” he added. Salma Hayek, who starred in the episode, shared that the script genuinely scared her. She played a version of herself in the AI-generated show within the show. Despite her initial apprehensions, Hayek found the experience to be “absurd and a lot of fun,” as it allowed her to explore an alter ego and be self-deprecating in a unique way. She added, “It’s been absurd and a lot of fun. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play an interpretation of myself. I got to explore the concepts and clichés people have about me and be self-deprecating.” Brooker also discussed the broader implications of AI in entertainment. While he acknowledges that AI-generated imagery can be “impressive and incredible,” he warns against its misuse. For instance, AI could be employed to destabilize society by spreading misinformation. On the other hand, when used appropriately, AI can be a helpful tool in creative processes, such as filling in details in Photoshop or generating ideas. As long as people focus on how they can, rather than if they should, there will be problems. — Kate Sullivan (@sulliv50474) August 23, 2024 Despite the often-prescient nature of “Black Mirror,” Brooker insists that the show was never intended to portray technology as evil. Exactly, but people will not say the same thing about guns because, in their minds, guns are the problem……. — America 1st, Trump 2024, it is the only way (@JB100T) August 23, 2024 As the debate over AI’s role in Hollywood continues, Brooker’s insights serve as a reminder that while AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, its impact depends largely on how it is used. For more news and trends, visit AI News on our website.
The timing of this episode, which premiered in June 2023, was particularly striking as it coincided with the writer’s strike and just before the actor’s strike, both of which heavily focused on the impact of AI on the entertainment industry.
However, Brooker remains cautious about the role of AI in content creation. He expressed concerns about using AI to generate pitches and create shows, arguing that such practices could lead to subpar content and job losses.
Instead, he believes that technological tools, including AI, are neutral and that it is up to humans to use them wisely.
AI Isn’t the Enemy: ‘Black Mirror’ Creator Argues It’s Our Actions That Matter!
-
Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.Dave Andre
Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.
Key Takeaways:
Brooker argues that the real issue lies in how these technologies are applied. “Just like any powerful tool, it’s what you do with it,” he explained.
“However, the timing of this massively spiked public interest in AI as a threat to the creative industries and the creative arts,” he said. “And so, it was nuts because we were in post-production on the episode at that time, and the timeliness of that as it came out around the strike, I couldn’t have foreseen, but gratifying to have done something about it.”
“There are so many moments that shocked me in the script. There is one huge one that I had to come to terms with, and made me ask myself, ‘Do I really want to do this? Am I going to get in trouble?’”
“If you were using it to generate a pitch and then try to turn it into a show, I think that’s not good. And you’ll end up with dog s–t, and you’ll be putting people out of work.”
“It’s ‘the tech is impressive but neutral and the humans, it’s not that we are f–k-ups, because we’ve invented this stuff, we’re amazing’ show.”
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.
