Can I be recreated in a computer?
As Labor Day passes by this is the first one that I actually recall being on strike on the day we acknowledge the contributions of American workers.
I am part of the film and television industry and earlier this year, the screenwriters went on strike, and shortly thereafter the actors followed suit.
While I am sure there are many intricate elements to the negotiations with the producers, ultimately, I think on all fronts the impact of artificial intelligence is what will hold the members of SAG-AFTRA and other industry unions in negotiations for the indefinite future.
As I understand, with current technology, basically, writers, and we actors may become obsolete and AI can take the basics of writing stories, our vocal patterns and our facial and body movements and can basically recreate all of the talents in a box.
This may be a simplistic view, but the future of what that looks like and its impact on the worker are far reaching.
While I am sure many see Hollywood’s absence from creating new television shows and films as a relief, there are good people in the industry who create positive and uplifting content who now not creating also.
I imagine, AI and robotics will continue to touch every imaginable job across our country in the coming months and years.
While the genie in many respects is already out of the bottle, we the workers of America, must be mindful to return and create opportunities for our selves and others in our home communities.
We may have to start thinking of the models used by our ancestors when every town required at least one person to have a particular skill to meet the needs of the residents and make the products we need.
I have a feeling, we will not be able to depend upon these AI and robots to look after our interests and create what is best for us.
Those who have let the critters into your homes through various devices, you may want to rethink that.
While it may seem convenient, is it in your best interest?
That answer is still far into the future when we find out who exactly is listening and collecting the data and for what ultimate purpose.
Being far removed from the mainstream of production, I am picketing, but only in my mind. Like many of my relatives have through the years as their unions have went on strike, we must stick together to make sure we do not lose the world we depend upon and love.
