Artificial intelligence (AI) personas are virtual representations of intelligent machines designed to communicate with humans. These AI personas have become increasingly common in the media, as they offer a unique way for people to interact with AI technology, service, content, and platform. This panel explores the concept of AI personas and their use in the media and in content production.
First, what are AI Personas? AI personas are designed to replicate the traits and behaviors of humans to help people feel more comfortable interacting with intelligent machines. These personas can be customized to reflect different personalities, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Some AI personas are designed to be helpful and friendly, while others are designed to be more authoritative and commanding. Others can be factual and analytic.
The use of AI personas in media and entertainment has grown, although the concept has been used for some time. Several major news outlets around the world claim AI newscasters or robotic reporters. Virtual assistants, such as Siri and Alexa, are examples of AI personas designed to assist people in their daily lives. AI-powered characters in movies and video games also reflect the use of AI personas in the media.
Second, what are the uses of AI Personas in the Media? AI personas have been used in various forms of media, from movies and TV shows to video games and mobile apps. These personas offer a way for people to interact with AI technology more naturally and intuitively. Some examples of AI personas in the media include:
Virtual Newscasters: News agencies, such as Chinese Xinhua and South Korean cable channel MBN – and many others worldwide- have experimented with or are using AI personas as news anchors. Many companies and apps allow one to generate AI personas as news reporters or content generators.
The figure immediately below shows an AI persona that our research team generated for a user study on how people interact with AI personas.
Virtual Assistants: Siri and Alexa are two of the most well-known examples of AI personas in the media. These virtual assistants are designed to help people with various tasks, from setting reminders to answering questions.
Video Games: AI-powered video game characters are designed to interact with players and provide a more immersive gaming experience. These characters can be designed to have different personalities, skills, and behaviors that reflect the game’s story and gameplay mechanics.
Movies and TV Shows: AI personas have been featured in movies and TV shows for decades. The robot characters in Star Wars and WALL-E are examples of AI personas that have captured the imagination of audiences around the world.
Mobile Apps: AI personas are increasingly used in mobile apps to provide users with personalized experiences. These personas can be designed to learn from users’ behavior and provide suggestions and recommendations based on their preferences.
Third, what are the advantages and disadvantages of AI Personas? The use of AI personas in the media has both advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that AI personas can provide a more natural and intuitive way for people to interact with intelligent machines. By replicating human traits and behaviors, AI personas can make it easier for people to understand and use AI technology. Another advantage of AI personas is that they can be customized to reflect different personalities, cultures, and genders. This customization can help make AI technology more inclusive and accessible to more people.
However, some disadvantages to using AI personas in the media also exist. One disadvantage is that AI personas can reinforce stereotypes and biases. If an AI persona is designed to reflect a particular gender, culture, or personality type, it may reinforce existing stereotypes and biases. Another disadvantage is that AI personas can create unrealistic expectations about the capabilities of AI technology. If an AI persona is designed to be highly intelligent and capable, it may create unrealistic expectations about what AI technology can do.
In conclusion, AI personas offer a unique way for people to interact with AI technology in the media. By replicating human traits and behaviors, these personas can provide a more natural and intuitive way for people to understand and use AI technology. However, there are also some disadvantages to using AI personas, including the potential to reinforce stereotypes and biases and create unrealistic expectations about the capabilities of AI technology. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will be essential to consider these issues and design AI personas that are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the diverse range of people who use them.