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Artificial intelligence, or AI, is seemingly everywhere, but using AI to create movies, TV shows, and video games is increasingly controversial. In 2023, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike because studios were using AI to copy actors’ faces and voices. People in the entertainment industry were concerned about studios using AI to replace jobs. This concern hasn’t disappeared, but supporters of AI have argued that AI can serve as a support tool to automate repetitive tasks.
Why AI in Entertainment is Controversial
AI in entertainment is growing. According to the BBC, AI has been used to alter voices in recent movies, such as The Brutalist and Emilia Perez. This use of AI could replace talented voice actors. AI taking creative jobs is a major concern across the industry. AI tools are now used in video games, TV and movie production, voice acting, and even motion capture. Ultimately, nothing can replace human creativity. If AI created all movies and TV shows, there would be nothing truly unique. The best stories come from human experience, and AI cannot replicate lived experiences. Human artists bring emotion and personality into what they create, and powerful storytelling can bring people together. AI cannot replace an actor that has had years, or even decades, of experience honing their craft. People still want human artists to create stories, music, games, and performances, but AI can be useful for monotonous tasks that don’t require creativity.
Where AI Fits Best
AI works best as a support tool. It can help people stay organized and can optimize repetitive tasks. AI and robots can support dangerous work like fighting wildfires and deep-sea exploration. In these cases, AI is protecting human life, not threatening human creativity. In the entertainment industry, AI can help with early production planning and scheduling. When used ethically, AI can help creative professionals work more efficiently without completely replacing their jobs.
In the past, people imagined robots of the future for menial chores like doing the laundry or mowing the lawn. Thanks to improving technology, there are many tools that use AI that can help with everyday tasks. This is still the intention behind AI: to replace the work that humans don’t want to do.
What Happens if Entertainment Loses Human Artists?
Some people predict that AI will replace some professions as it becomes more advanced. Some jobs, like customer service, are already being replaced with AI chatbots. Entertainment, though, relies on a human touch. AI uses information from the internet that it collects into a large database. Too much AI can lead to less originality since AI uses ideas from existing media to develop stories. Similarly, AI doesn’t experience emotions, so it can struggle to understand emotional storytelling. These emotions are what make your favorite movies and TV shows memorable. These stories resonate and make you come back to watch them again and again. Encourage your students to discuss this question: Would your favorite shows or games feel the same without human performances and storytelling?
Finding Balance Between Innovation and Creativity
AI is a tool, not a replacement for human imagination. While it continues to grow and be used in more industries, it’s important to use AI ethically. The goal of AI is to minimize monotonous work. Many industries and schools are creating guidelines and regulations for AI to protect human jobs. Ultimately, AI cannot replace human creativity and critical thinking. In a landscape where many jobs are threatened by AI, we still value entertainment created by humans, and we need humans to check the accuracy of AI-generated content. As your students explore AI, encourage them to carefully consider the limitations and ethics of using AI.
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