Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University hosted a thought-provoking cinema workshop focusing on the visionary depictions of artificial intelligence (AI) in film. The workshop highlighted scenes from Spike Jonze’s 2013 movie “Her” to delve into the intersection of AI with human emotion and relationships.
Professor Aydan Özsoy from the university’s Faculty of Fine Arts emphasized the need to consider AI and technological advancements while viewing films that explore the bond between humans and machines. Özsoy discussed the film’s sophisticated use of color and cinematic techniques to question the nature of reality and artificiality, stressing that cinema has always played a role in examining the real versus the synthetic, particularly through the portrayal of robots and androids since the 1970s.
The event, curated under the AA Academy’s coordination, chose the theme “The Predictive Powers of Films: Artificial Intelligence,” following the announcement of Open AI’s GPT-4o. The AI’s ability to identify objects, solve mathematical problems, and engage in verbal conversations inspired the selection of this theme. The moderator and AA External and Economy News Editor Barışkan Ünal articulated that the film projected a future state of AI and sparked a discussion about what is genuine and what is artificial.
Unal further pointed out that despite its romantic plot, the film hints at potential dangers of advanced AI, suggesting that individuals’ privacy could be compromised, and people could be manipulated based on their data, desires, and fears. He illustrated that the film reveals an underlying loneliness in a technologically driven society, suggesting the fundamental human need for real companionship over artificial interactions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and its portrayal in cinema is a testament to how society grapples with technological advancements and their implications on a personal and societal level. Borrowing from the context of the Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University cinema workshop, let’s explore some related aspects that the article did not touch upon.
Films as Mirrors of Societal Concerns: Movies like “Her” hold up a mirror to societal concerns about the advancement of AI. They tap into our collective psyche, exploring notions of consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human.
AI in Reality vs. Film: AI depicted in films may often be a dramatized version of what is currently technologically possible. While AI has made significant leaps, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, the sentient beings often portrayed in films remain a work of science fiction.
Evolution of AI in Cinema: The depiction of AI has evolved in films from simplistic, nefarious machines to complex characters capable of evoking audience empathy. This shift reflects our growing familiarity with AI technologies.
Questions and Answers:
1. What ethical considerations does AI in cinema raise?
AI in film can raise questions about the ethics of creating entities with consciousness, the implications of dependency on AI, and the dangers of AI surpassing human intelligence.
2. How does AI affect storytelling in film?
AI affects storytelling by introducing new narrative possibilities, conflicts, and character dynamics. It serves as a tool to question human nature and complex societal issues.
3. Can AI technology be used in film production?
Yes, AI can and is being used in various aspects of film production, including scriptwriting, visual effects, and even in decision-making processes for greenlighting projects.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
– Authenticity: As AI becomes more advanced, distinguishing between genuine human interactions and those simulated by AI poses philosophical and ethical challenges.
– Privacy: The potential invasion of privacy with AI that can analyze personal data and predict behavior creates a hotbed for controversy.
– Dependence: Relying on AI for companionship and decision-making jeopardizes human autonomy and independence.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages: AI can augment human capabilities, boost creativity, and optimize tasks within and outside of the cinematic realm.
– Disadvantages: Overdependence on AI may lead to a loss of essential skills, diminish genuine human connections, and create vulnerabilities through dependence on technology.
To explore more on AI and its implications outside the context of film, consider checking the following websites for a broader understanding of the current state of AI technology:
– OpenAI,
– DeepLearning.AI,
– AA (Anadolu Agency).
As the conversation about AI in society and cinema evolves, it remains crucial to critically engage with these portrayals and to consider how they reflect our hopes, fears, and aspirations for the future of technology and humanity.