Streaming into the Future: How Netflix’s Top Films Mirror Our Fears of AI and Tech Takeovers

This weekend I was recommended a new title on Netflix.? It was T.I.M, which is short for The Intelligent Machine.? The film has an Artificial Intelligence (AI) theme, telling the story of a woman whose life is changed by an advanced AI assistant.?

Many of us use virtual and AI assistants in our lives for good, such as Amazon Alexa, streamlining our lives and making them easier, but here, the helpful almost human like companion slowly transformed into something else, something controlling.

Tech based films are increasing in popularity and many portray the AI and Tech as harmful to humans.? Frequently the story is also very close to our own lives and it can be hard to draw a distinction between the two.? The storytelling is so powerful that after viewing we sometimes find ourselves wondering about the line between the world of the movies and reality.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, have a whole catalogue of movies in this genre.? Every time I watch a movie of this sort, I am captivated and with my educator hat on, start to wonder how can this be used in discussion within the home and classroom.

Challenges for Educators and Parents

Against the backdrop of these films and with the recommender algorithms in full swing, for me the question is – “How do we help children understand the potential risks alongside supporting them to explore the benefits of technology?”

My five tips to address this area of ?challenge are:

• Enjoy family film time – watching tech themed films as a family will then lead to conversation.? This list of films from Common sense media is a good starting point for tech themed films.
• Encourage your child to think critically – films like Ex-Machina are rich for a conversation around moral responsibility.
• Ensure a balance is kept – talk to children about the benefits of tech they may encounter everyday such as through a personalised learning platform, but balance the conversation with talking about any dangers, AI bias and any concerns and or thoughts they may have round privacy.
• Film Clubs – at schools and other educational organisations, run a film club and then encourage young people to critically analyse the film. A great film for older children to discuss is The Social Dilemma, which looks at the use of algorithms and what content we see on our social networks.
• Discuss how you feel – ask children (and reflect ourselves) how films and documentaries shape your view of AI and technology. Are they contributing to a fearful narrative, or do they help you critically engage with the realities of the tech-driven world?

Cultural Fascination with AI

As a society we have long been fascinated with AI and tech themes.? For me this is rooted in The Terminator series.? First released in 1984, I have been a fan ever since.? The whole concept of sentient machines, all capable of causing the downfall of humanity, when we rely on tech just a bit too much. Each movie title is exciting – Judgment Day, Rise of the Machines, Salvation and Dark Fate and so on.? Currently we now have Terminator Zero on Netflix.? The theme running through all is the complex relationships between humans and machines.

A tech driven future

Recently many of our lives have been shaped and changed even further with the introduction of tools such as ChatGPT, embedded into many systems that we use every day.? Some of our entertainment is starting to come from AI such as in the form of daily AI digital art app – The Blank App.? Is tech and AI also starting to shape our creativity?

Over to you!? I would love to hear your thoughts and the next time you log onto Netflix or interact with a digital system, consider what the algorithms are telling you—and more importantly, what they’re learning about you.

(I have also published this article over on medium)

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Hi I am Beverly Clarke, I work in the space between industry and education, bridging the gap. Working with me will bring value to your organisation/next project. Below are some examples of my work.

• Education Consultant - created resources for many clients!
• Resource Writer - written AI curriculums for UK and USA
• Guest Columnist - contributed to numerous publications
• Coach - helping women to navigate career and life
• Host and Speaker - bringing your event to life with my unique insights and calls to action
• Author - five books written and counting
• Founder - national charity Technology Books for Children