In 1956, when Alan Turing coined the term “Artificial Intelligence” at the Dartmouth Conference, I doubt he expected his unconventional idea to become an eerie reality. Artificial Intelligence, also referred to as “AI” is the simulation of human action and intelligence by machines. This allows technological machines to learn, emote, make decisions and problem solve. As a society, we continue to see its presence grow in classrooms, meetings, and even in self-driving cars.
Recently, a physicist-turned-producer, Eline Van der Veldon, launched Tilly Norwood, the first hireable AI actress. Norwood was the creation of the AI Production company Particle6; technically, the company’s talent branch, Xicoia, launched the AI actress. Particle6 created Norwood using AI generative programming through existing facial data; some believe that the company used well known actresses, like Gal Gadot and Ana de Armas, to help inspire or morph her face. The intention behind Norwood was to create an infinitely adaptable and hireable actress who is easily pliable. The creators also believe that her inanimacy is beneficial since she is immune to scandal, something that curses modern actors and agencies.
Tilly Norwood has begun to gain lots of popularity in the media. This was catalyzed by acting agencies beginning to grow curious about her and her abilities. The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Arts, or SAG-AFTRA, released a statement criticizing the AI actress, stating that audiences wouldn’t be partial to watching an acting performance that would be completely untethered to the human experience. Well known celebrities, like Natasha Lyonne and Emily Blunt, have also responded to theAI creation. Lyonne believes that any agency that entertains this project should be boycotted, implying using AI in place of real actors is disturbing and unethical. Blunt has the same reservations, claiming that if audiences were to see Norwood in a film or production of sorts, the universal human connection would be damaged. Overall, people seem disturbed by the growing presence of Norwood and the impact she may have on Hollywood.
Despite the backlash that Norwood and Particle6 are facing, AI in media will only continue to grow. We are living in a society where humanity is starting to be disregarded for efficiency. No matter how many people complain or boycott Norwood, or any future AI actor, the intrigue and cost efficiency will be reason enough for more companies and agencies to branch out into AI talent. This is deeply disturbing, and not only because Norwood is eerily uncanny.
AI is generally unnecessary and incredibly harmful for the environment because of its high energy and water consumption, so why do big companies keep shoving it down our throats? Due to my own morals, I would not watch an AI generated actress. Technology creates a strange grey area where humans are more aware of one another but are beginning to be increasingly emotionally distant. Yes, movies were created to entertain, but more importantly they tell stories about the human experience. This allows people to relate to one another and feel seen by others, despite global or cultural barriers. If we allow AI to take this from us we lose a sacred and necessary bond; the less that we relate to one another, the less humanity we give to those around us.
The creation of art is something that separates humans from land mammals, so it is integral that art continues to be man-made. Tilly Norwood is an unsettling and incredibly avoidable creation, and she is just one example of how lowly humanity is regarded in a technological society.
