AI in Pop Culture

Artificial intelligence systems, programs, and characters have been present in pop culture and media for as long as the concept of a disembodied intelligence could be conceived of. The idea of consciousness outside the body, and intelligence beyond the organic human life have existed in the imaginations of societies for ages.

More recently, with the emergence of graphics rendering, computer technologies, and informational systems, the concept of AI in pop culture has become a study in the ever-increasing capabilities of computers, robotics, and data analysis. In the media, AI has come to be a study in the difference between finding humanity and losing it through the absence of an organic body. Artificially intelligent characters are used in the media and pop culture today as a foil against which the virtues and sins of humanity are measured, and a canvas upon which humanity can be painted in its distilled form.

Here is a link to a playlist of videos regarding the concept of AI in pop culture, a virtual tour through the history of AI in film, books and video games.

Here is the first and second video out of 9 parts.





Thinking Further
After viewing the YouTube videos, either return here, or comment on YouTube in response to these questions for further thought:
 * 1) Audiences are prone to empathizing with non-human characters, and create personalities and narratives for these characters where none may exist (i.e. Planet Earth/Blue Planet documentary series, Disney/Pixar films). When it comes to AI, to what extent is our empathy with these characters projection? Is it possible to really connect with an AI character?
 * 2) The last video in the series looks at the Sony/Playstation short KARA. Watch the short film, and describe the techniques used to make Kara relatable: what narrative devices transform Kara from a robot and an AI into a sympathetic character?
 * 3) How have AI representations in Pop culture changed, from Frankenstein's creature to Kara? In what ways have they remained the same?