The rise of AI ‘deep fake’ videos on Sora 2 has made Halloween a more complicated holiday to enjoy. People creating horrifying or prank videos using AI may be effective in scaring their friends during Spooky Season, yet it’s highly damaging to creativity and the extent to which this trend has gone is unethical.
Firstly, whilst it may be tempting to use AI to create a spooky video through what is essentially a ‘deep fake’ (it is the ultimate costume), it may be scary but it hinders creativity. Whilst Sora 2 is claimed to be a “healthier platform for entertainment and creativity compared to what is available right now”, the instantaneous creation of these videos means people are limiting themselves to only what AI can do. It is traditional on Halloween to create your own ‘looks’; investing time, makeup, and costuming into your appearance makes Halloween a creative and enjoyable night. Typing a prompt into AI and generating something either on yourself or as a general video, in my opinion, is not the creativity that Halloween stands for. Besides, how can you go to a party in costume if your costume is digital?
how can you go to a party in costume if your costume is digital?
On the other hand, perhaps AI could be helpful in creating a costume. For example, ChatGPT, arguably the most famous AI, when given a random description of a person could suggest Halloween costumes for someone of that appearance. This shows how not all uses of AI have to be wholly negative because AI is capable of generating unique, specific inspiration without stripping Halloween of its creativity altogether.
Furthermore, as AI grows, it is becoming less ethical. Not only do people have the option to create uniquely frightening content, but they can do so featuring the dead. Deceased celebrities, who cannot consent to their likeness being used, are appearing in people’s videos because they are so easily created. Whilst this is harrowing and right on the money for Halloween’s themes, many would argue that this is immoral. For example, it’s particularly difficult on the family of the deceased (Robin William’s daughter has pleaded for people to stop creating ‘deep fakes’ of her father). If you must create an eerie AI video this Halloween, do not do it of somebody who hasn’t consented. Instead, opt for a close friend or something more silly like a cartoon character.
If you must create an eerie AI video this Halloween, do not do it of somebody who hasn’t consented.
To conclude, it’s okay to use technology and AI to have a brilliant Halloween, but one should ensure you get the sensible benefits without crossing the moral line.
