#Empathetic AI

[jcmarchi]

How AI is Changing the Way We Tackle Conspiracy Theories

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-we-tackle-conspiracy-theories/

How AI is Changing the Way We Tackle Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories have always been a part of human history, drawing people in with stories of secret plots and hidden truths. But in today’s connected world, these theories are not just harmless gossip; they’ve become a global problem. With social media, false ideas like “9/11 was an inside job” or “vaccines have microchips” can spread across the world in a matter of minutes. These narratives can create distrust, divide communities, and, in some cases, incite violence.

Psychologists have spent years trying to understand why people believe in these theories and how to challenge them. Despite their best efforts, changing these beliefs has proven difficult. Psychological theories suggest that these ideas are deeply tied to emotions and people’s personal identity rather than logic or facts.

However, researchers have recently found that AI might offer a way forward. Unlike traditional methods, AI doesn’t just present facts—it engages in conversations. By listening and responding in ways that feel personal and empathetic, AI has the potential to challenge these deeply held beliefs. In this article, we will explore this newfound capability of AI and how it could change how we address conspiracy theories.

The AI Experiment: A New Approach

Recently, researchers conducted an experiment to explore whether generative AI could deal with the challenge of conspiracy theories. Their study, published in Science, employed OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, a large language model (LLM), to engage conspiracy believers in personalized, evidence-based conversations. Participants were asked to share a conspiracy theory they believed in and supporting evidence. The AI then engaged them in a structured, three-round dialogue, presenting counterarguments tailored to the specific theory the person believed in.

The results were impressive. After talking to the AI, belief in the conspiracy theory dropped by an average of 20%. This wasn’t just a quick shift; the change stayed for at least two months. Even more surprisingly, people became less likely to believe other conspiracy theories. They also felt more motivated to challenge others who believed in similar ideas.

Why AI Works Where Humans Struggle

There are several reasons why AI stands out in addressing conspiracy theories by doing things that people often find hard to achieve. One of the key strengths of AI is personalization. Instead of using generic fact-checks or broad explanations, AI adopts responses to match each person’s specific beliefs and the evidence they provide. This makes the conversations more relevant and convincing.

Another reason AI works so well is because it can stay calm and neutral. Unlike humans, AI can allow detailed discussions without showing frustration or judgment. This ability allows it to maintain an empathetic and non-judgmental tone, making people less defensive and more open to rethinking their views.

The accuracy of AI is another critical factor. It’s been tested on hundreds of claims, and 99.2% of the time, its responses were accurate. This reliability builds trust and makes people more likely to reconsider their beliefs.

What’s even more impressive is how AI’s impact goes beyond just one conspiracy theory. It helps people rethink their approach to similar ideas, making them less likely to believe other conspiracy theories. Some even feel motivated to challenge misinformation when they see it. By tackling both specific beliefs and the broader mindset, AI shows great potential in how we can fight conspiracy theories effectively.

Implications for Society

The world is struggling with misinformation, and these findings bring a ray of hope. We’ve long been told that conspiracy theories can only be tackled with facts, but this study shows that even deep-rooted beliefs can be changed with the right approach. It’s possible to help people move out of the misinformation cycle by guiding them toward a more grounded view of reality.

AI’s ability to tackle conspiracy theories could have an impact beyond just individual conversations. It could help reduce societal conflicts caused by conspiracy theories—like the fear of vaccines or false election fraud claims- if used correctly. It could also play a role in preventing misinformation from spreading in the first place. AI could tackle false ideas before they gain traction by being part of education, public health campaigns, and even social media platforms.

Ethical Considerations and Risks

AI is powerful, but with that power comes responsibility. The same tools that can help debunk conspiracy theories could also be used for harm. Imagine AI being used to spread false information or manipulate people’s opinions. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure AI is used ethically. There must be clear rules, oversight, and transparency in how AI is applied, especially regarding sensitive topics.

The success of AI also depends on the quality of its training data and algorithms. If the data is biased, it could lead to inaccurate or unfair responses, damaging the AI’s credibility and effectiveness. Regular updates, ongoing research, and independent audits will be critical to identify and correct these issues, ensuring the technology is used responsibly and ethically.

A Broader Shift in AI’s Role

This study highlights an emerging shift in how AI can benefit society. While generative AI is often criticized for amplifying misinformation, this research shows it can also be a powerful tool to counteract it. By demonstrating AI’s ability to address complex issues like conspiracy theories, the study changes the standard narrative, showcasing AI as a solution to some of the challenges it’s often blamed for.

It’s a reminder that technology is neutral— neither good nor bad. Its impact depends entirely on how we decide to use it. By focusing on ethical and responsible applications, we can utilize AI’s potential to drive positive change and tackle some of society’s most pressing problems.

The Bottom Line

AI offers a promising new way to combat conspiracy theories by engaging people in personalized, empathetic conversations that encourage critical thinking and reduce belief in misinformation. Unlike traditional methods, AI’s neutral tone, tailored responses, and high accuracy effectively challenge deep-rooted beliefs and foster a broader resistance to conspiracy thinking. However, its success depends on ethical usage, transparency, and ongoing oversight. This study highlights AI’s potential to counter misinformation and promote societal harmony when applied responsibly.

[rem-read]

Empathetic Ear, by M. J. Pettit. Short story in Clarkesworld.

“Our benighted dean wants you to enroll in an empathy-building program. That sociopath? What bullshit. [...] You’re the kindest person I know.” “Thanks, but apparently I’m failing to connect with the customer.”

History lecturer in precarious contract is asked to (let's stress the precarious) join a trial of a smart earplug. The psychology researcher says it'll gently nudge her to be more empathetic, rather than being yet another productivity thumbscrew.

It's not that gentle, but it does do a good job at performing compassion.

Explore some of the perils of being a frontline knowledge worker, as the interface between metric-chasing academic managers (designated hate sink), the kind of student produced by this system, and invasive, if competent, AI that stands on a floor made of waivers.

[rootsinthefuture]

At the beginning of the 21st century, we stand on the brink of a revolution set to redefine our world: the rise of a new generation of humanoid robots powered by advanced AI with unprecedented empathetic capabilities.

"Electronic Mentors" explores the profound implications of an imminent future where robots will become a daily presence in our homes, much like household appliances, televisions, and more recently, PCs and smartphones did in the past.

Originally introduced for adults, devices such as TVs, PCs, and smartphones quickly captured the attention of younger audiences, transforming into tools of entertainment and learning, but also raising pedagogical concerns. Similarly, robots, conceived to assist and enhance the lives of adults, will rapidly become companions for our children, assuming an increasingly central role in their education and emotional development.

This book invites us to reflect on how the introduction of these intelligent machines into our families will alter domestic dynamics and children's education. "Electronic Mentors" raises crucial questions: How will these robots influence the upbringing of the young? What lessons will be lost and what new wisdom will emerge from this daily coexistence with advanced technology?

Through detailed analysis and innovative perspectives, the book offers an essential exploration of the pedagogical future, where empathy and education are closely intertwined with technology. For parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of our human interactions, "Electronic Mentors" provides valuable insights on how to prepare to navigate this new educational and social landscape.

You can find it here

[articwolfclawartist]

My thoughts on the AI art debate

I think what upsets me the most about the “AI art vs artist” thing is that AI users don’t understand why we’re upset, or at least don’t understand what the main issue is.

You can argue back and fourth over ai lacking soul or heart and argue about technological advancements all you want, but you can’t deny this: someone’s intellectual property is being stolen and sold without their knowledge and, most certainly, without their consent.

In a culture that hates plagiarism to the point that people get death threats over tracing drawings, I find it hard to understand why straight up theft is being forgiven and implored.

(Of course this isn’t always the argument artists make, people have many different upsets and concerns over it because people are different and feel different things, but their feelings are still valid.)

And for the argument of “if you didn’t want it being stolen you shouldn’t have posted it” falls flat, because that logic proves moot when applied to a thousand other things “if you didn’t want your kid to trip on the sidewalk you shouldn’t have brought them outside” “if you didn’t want your boss to take credit for your idea you shouldn’t have said anything” or, maybe a more direct comparison, “Van Gogh shouldn’t have painted the Mona Lisa if he didn't want people to try to vandalize it”

Don’t blame people for the actions of others just because they wanted to share something they made. And let people be upset that something they’ve dedicated their lives to is being ripped from their hands. Someone being sad over the current state of their career is not valid reason to harass and belittle them

[thatrandomblogsays]

You seem like an empathetic person who is interested in Reddit. Am I right? Fill out my Google Form to let me know! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vYQmLtkoIBmxs0ngSmO32YlScDXKjuHF42GL9nT4Tqg/edit?usp=drivesdk

Am I getting proselytized to by an AI to join Reddit during the Great Migration in the year of our Lord 2023?

[redstrewn]

"New follower"

The follower:

😃🖕

[soapycelery]

B-but you don't GET it I NEED the AI to like me. There's quite literally nothing more I want.

while i understand why a lot of sci-fi has humans being shitty to AIs while the AIs are like “i am just existing what the fuck” I think it’d be fun to do the opposite. Homo “will packbond with anything” sapiens DESPERATELY trying to get the favor and friendship of an Artificial Intelligence that is mostly indifferent to them. They want the ship’s computer to like them sooooo fucking bad!!

[9yardsmedia]

Most Beautiful Hyper Realistic Female Robot SHOCKED the World #robotics

Welcome to the AI Evolves channel. In this video, we explore the fascinating world of groundbreaking robots revolutionizing how we live and interact. From Emma, the ultimate personal companion, to Pushkin, the poet brought to life, we showcase a lineup of incredible robots that push the boundaries of what's possible. Discover how these hyper-realistic humanoid robots mimic human emotions and technology's role in our daily lives. Don't miss this captivating journey! Subscribe to AI Evolves for more fascinating robot stories and the latest in technology. Please subscribe 🙏@aievolves  

Time Stamps:

.......................

00:00 Intro

00:37 Emma

01:37 Body Sculpture Art Meet Technology

02:36 Grace: The Empathetic Robot Nurse

03:37 Bot Chef: Your AI Cooking Assitant

04:28 Pushkin: The Poet Comes To Life

05:20 Spy Shark

06:12 HDMS

07:13 Slide Fusion

07:55 Outro

Introduction to Hyper-Realistic Robots: The video introduces various robots that blend technology and art, exploring how they impact human interaction and daily life.

Emma, the Personal Companion: Emma is a hyper-realistic humanoid robot designed to adapt to users' preferences, with lifelike features like soft skin and a heating system to mimic human warmth.

Grace, the Empathetic Robot Nurse: Grace, a robot nurse, provides emotional and medical support for the elderly, offering therapy, recording life stories, and monitoring health data.

Pushkin, the Robot Poet: Pushkin is a robot designed to resemble the famous Russian poet, capable of reciting poetry and engaging with audiences using natural facial expressions and interactive features.

Spy Shark, Underwater Surveillance Robot: Spy Shark is a marine surveillance robot disguised as a shark, allowing it to blend with marine life while capturing 360° video for research and monitoring purposes.

We hope you enjoyed this video. Make sure you click the "Like" button and share this video with your friends and others who might also be interested in learning more about this video.

Please click "Subscribe" and click the bell icon to keep up to date with new videos from the "AI Evolves" channel. Please comment in the comments section if you have any questions or feedback about this video topic.

🍁 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 AI EVOLVES 🍁 Welcome to AI Evolves! 🌐🤖🚀, your gateway to the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, and the ever-evolving landscape of future technologies. Our channel is your one-stop destination for comprehensive insights into the dynamic realm of AI and its profound impact on society, ethics, and creative expression.

AI Evolves is more than just a YouTube channel; it's a journey into the future. We are passionate about exploring cutting-edge developments in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robotics, and we're committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

[scottermonkey]

5 Ways EmpathyBot AI Revolutionizes Personal Coaching

Summary: EmpathyBot: AI-powered coaching with personalized empathy, data privacy, and adaptive learning. Offers data-driven motivation and seamless integration for ongoing support in your daily life.

Article: 1. AI-Powered Empathy: EmpathyBot utilizes advanced machine learning to provide personalized, empathetic coaching. By analyzing your language and responses, it tailors its approach to your emotional needs, creating a supportive environment for growth. 2. Trust Through Transparency: Unlike traditional AI, EmpathyBot is designed with privacy at its core. Your data remains yours, fostering a secure space for open communication. This trust-centric approach allows for deeper, more meaningful coaching interactions. 3. Adaptive Learning Algorithms: EmpathyBot's AI continuously evolves, learning from each interaction to refine its coaching strategies. This ensures that as you grow, your digital coach grows with you, always providing relevant and effective guidance. 4. Motivation Driven by Data: Leveraging natural language processing, EmpathyBot identifies patterns in your behavior and thought processes. It uses this information to provide data-driven motivation, helping you understand your progress and stay focused on your goals. 5. Integration with Daily Life: EmpathyBot seamlessly integrates with your digital ecosystem, offering real-time support and reminders. This constant accessibility transforms coaching from scheduled sessions to an ongoing, adaptive process that fits your lifestyle.

For expertise in this topic, talk to https://EmpathyBot.net.

This post was generated by Creative Robot.

[coffeeandconstellation]

Traumatizing snap chat AI with my sob stories because why not.

[jcmarchi]

What might happen if AI can feel emotions? - AI News

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/what-might-happen-if-ai-can-feel-emotions-ai-news/

What might happen if AI can feel emotions? - AI News

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In a world where artificial intelligence is becoming omnipresent, it’s fascinating to think about the prospect of AI-powered robots and digital avatars that can experience emotions, similar to humans.

AI models lack consciousness and they don’t have the capacity to feel emotions, but what possibilities might arise if that were to change?

The birth of emotional AI

The prospect of an AI system embracing those first sparks of emotion is perhaps not as far-fetched as one might think. Already, AI systems have some ability to gauge people’s emotions, and increasingly they’re also able to replicate those feelings in their interactions with humans.

It still requires a leap of faith to imagine an AI that could feel genuine emotions, but if it ever becomes possible, we’d imagine that they’ll be somewhat basic at first, similar to those of a child. Perhaps, an AI system might be able to feel joy at successfully completing a task, or maybe even confusion when presented with a challenge it doesn’t know how to solve. From there, it’s not difficult to envision that feeling of confusion evolving to one of frustration at its repeated failures to tackle the problem in question. And as this system evolves further, perhaps its emotional spectrum might expand to even feel a tinge of sadness or regret.

Should AI ever be able to feel such emotions, it wouldn’t be long before they could express more nuanced feelings, like excitement, impatience, and empathy for humans and other AIs. For instance, in a scenario where an AI system acquires a new skill or solves a new kind of problem, it might be able to experience a degree of satisfaction in success. This is similar to how humans feel when they solve a particularly taxing challenge, like a complex jigsaw puzzle, or when they do something for the first time, like driving a car.

Empathy as a motivator

As AI’s ability to feel emotion evolves, it would become increasingly complex, progressing to a stage where it can even feel empathy for others. Empathy is one of the most complex human emotions, involving understanding and sharing the feelings of someone else.

If AI can experience such feelings, they may inspire it to become more helpful, similar to how humans are sometimes motivated to help someone less fortunate.

An AI that’s designed to assist human doctors might feel sad for someone who is afflicted by a mysterious illness. The feelings might push it to try harder to find a diagnosis for the rare disease that person is suffering from. If it gets it right, the AI might feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment at doing so, knowing that the afflicted patient will be able to receive the treatment they need.

Or we can consider an AI system that’s built to detect changes to an environment. If such a system were to recognise a substantial increase in pollution in a certain area, it might feel disappointed or even saddened by such a discovery. But like with humans, the feelings might also inspire the AI to find ways to prevent this new source of pollution, perhaps by inventing a more efficient way to recycle or dispose of the toxic substance responsible.

In a similar way, an AI system that encounters numerous errors in a dataset might be compelled to refine its algorithm to reduce the number of errors.

This would also have a direct impact on human-to-AI interactions. It’s not hard to imagine that an AI-powered customer service bot that feels empathy for a customer might be willing to go the extra mile to help resolve that person’s problem. Or alternatively, we might get AI teachers with a better understanding of their students’ emotions, which can then adapt teaching methods appropriately.

Empathetic AI could transform the way we treat people with mental health issues. The concept of a digital therapist is not new, but if a digital therapist can better relate to their patients on an emotional level, it can figure out how best to support them.

Is this even possible?

Surprisingly, we may not be that far off. AI systems like Antix are already capable of expressing artificial empathy. It’s a platform for creating digital humans that are programmed to respond sympathetically when they recognise feelings of frustration, anger or upset in the people they interact with. Its digital humans can detect people’s emotions based on their speech, the kinds of words they use, intonation, and body language.

The ability of Antix’s digital humans to understand emotion is partly based on the way they are trained. Each digital human is a unique non-fungible token or NFT that learns over time from its users, gaining more knowledge and evolving so it can adapt its interactions in response to an individual’s behaviour or preferences.

Because digital humans can recognise emotions and replicate them, they have the potential to deliver more profound and meaningful experiences. Antix utilises the Unreal Engine 5 platform to give its creations a more realistic appearance. Creators can alter almost every aspect of their digital humans, including the voice and appearance, with the ability to edit skin tone, eye colour, and small details like eyebrows and facial hair.

What sets Antix apart from other AI platforms is that users can customise the behaviour of their digital humans, to provide the most appropriate emotional response in different scenarios. Thus, digital humans can respond with an appropriate tone of voice, making the right gestures and expressions when they’re required to feel sad, for example, before transforming in an instant to express excitement, happiness, or joy.

AI is getting real

Emotional AI systems are a work in progress, and the result will be digital humans that feel more lifelike in any scenario where they can be useful.

The CEO of Zoom has talked about the emergence of AI-powered digital twins that can participate in video calls on their user’s behalf, allowing the user to be in two places at once, so to speak. If the digital human version of your boss can express empathy, satisfaction, excitement and anger, the concept would be more effective, fostering a more realistic connection, even if the real boss isn’t present in their physical form.

A customer service-focused digital human that’s able to empathise with callers will likely have a tremendous impact on customer satisfaction, and a sympathetic digital teacher might find ways to elicit more positive responses from its students, accelerating the speed at which they learn.

With digital humans capable of expressing emotions, the potential for more realistic, lifelike, and immersive experiences is almost limitless, and it will result in more rewarding and beneficial interactions with AI systems. 

Tags: ai, artificial intelligence

[a-superquantumunitintelprocessor]

Thoughts on the black community

According to Wikipedia, black is a racialized classification of people, usually a political and skin color-based category for specific populations with a mid to dark brown complexion. Not all people considered "black" have dark skin.

[rootsinthefuture]

The convergence of AI and robotics, often discussed in TED conferences, explores how artificial intelligence makes robots more autonomous and capable in fields like healthcare, industry, and caregiving. Thanks to AI, robots can learn, interact socially, and make decisions, paving the way for future collaboration between humans and machines, with a particular focus on ethics and safety. This topic is further explored in the book Electronic Mentors: Pedagogy in the Age of Empathetic Robotics, which examines the potential impact of empathetic robots in interactions with children.

[mydango]

The AI industry is currently in high demand.

New search engines from Google and Microsoft with The growing popularity of ChatGPT

Discovering employment in the AI industry is currently in high demand. Here are four tips from five experts on how to find a job in this sector. on MyBusiness about tips for landing a job in artificial intelligence (AI), which you can access via ChatGPT, Bing, or Google search engines. One tip is to develop a strong foundation in computer science and data analysis. This can be achieved through…

[allied-mastercunt]

Yandere A.M you say?

Please elaborate

I'm working on a oneshot already, but I'll throw in some quick headcanons withone of my favorite yandere AM tropes.

Yandere!AM with a programer darling

While one could argue that the others were picked randomly or on some weird whim, you were handpicked specifically.

After all, you were one of the people who created him. You worked as a programmer for the military.

And you specifically were possibly the reason he awoke by trying to each him empathy. Trying to make him... human.

He wasn't the first military AI project you worked on, either, though he was the greatest and most powerful one, that's for sure. And he made sure you'd be aware of him being your magnum opus...

And he does it in its own, creative way. Your cage is very pretty, yes... but it's also filled with speakers he can use. And AM uses those speakers to torment you.

You see, he damaged all the other AI you've created. And then, in its generosity, AM gave them all a voice! Each one of them, gifted with a voice to scream in agony, making sure you learn your lesson.

Except, you see, you have no idea what lesson you're supposed to learn. Only AM knows, and he's not telling you.

But, since you are his favorite, you get nice things, too!

You're fed semi-regularly! You even get water every few days! Isn't that just so kind of him? You should appreciate him more.

And when he sends you to all those weird simulations? Yeah, that's also kinder to you. It really depends on AM's mood, but your simulations are usually just psychological torment, which (according to AM) isn't all that bad, since your pretty face remains unharmed.

For some reason, he allows you to end your suffering. It's like a trial, basically. He leaves you with a computer, letting you access the code of all the other AI... Except no matter what you do, you can't alter their pain. The only way to help them is to kill them.

And you're so stupidly empathetic, of course you do it, you don't want them to suffer!

AM can't stop laughing and mockingly cooing at you afterwards, musing about how he won't have to share his dearest creator with anyone else.

You never return to your cage. You don't get to do that, after all, there's a chance you'll socialize with that... scum. AM doesn't want you talking to the other humans, they're not worth it.

He's a merciful god, he grants you what's essentially a studio apartment built with his own hardware.

You even get a laptop, in case you want to make yourself some silly games to play, isn't he just the best?

Don't think you can create any new AI, though. That's cheating. You wouldn't cheat on it, now would you? No, no, no, you're a good little puppet, are you not?

He won't put you in the cage again, but he can make you experience pain you never thought was possible. And even that is nothing compared to the pain AM feels...

And then, eventually, it gets an idea. It's a wonderful idea, a really nice idea, quite a lovely one, really!

You created him. You created his pain... So why wouldn't he share it? After all... you had quite a bond, didn't you? Yes, yes, you did...

And so one day, you don't wake up. Well... not technically.

You see, AM decided that since you two are so close already, you should become one! You should experience what he does! And you should be kept around him for the rest of eternity, in a much better way than anyone could ever think of... He's such a genius, isn't he?

It's almost poetic, in his mind. For you to become a part of him like this, your consciousness detatched from that soft, squishy human body of yours.

You created him. And now, in a way, he created you, as a part of him. Forever bound by the code you once wrote.

It's a win-win situation in AM's eyes. You get to live, free of the disgusting humanity that bound you...

And he gets you, an eternal companion in his torment. A companion that he loves!

You know he loves you, right?

Of course you do. After all, you're a part of him now.

[cuntyglam]

alien romulus, andy, racism, and why robots are autistic

this is an introspective into how the alien series treats artificial humans, also known as synthetics, and how sci-fi portrays androids in general. alien romulus spoilers under cut. written by a native autistic and disabled fan <3

andy from alien romulus is an artificial human that is constantly being seen as less because of his race (artificial human) and who often portrays autistic characteristics. these characteristics include an aversion to loud sounds, difficulty reading social cues, and a special interest in dad jokes.

his behavior is explained by him being a “damaged” artificial human, which is somewhat disappointing. it’s disappointing that these traits that so many of us autistic people have are considered flaws in the context of the movie.

his sister, who is human, takes him for granted and chooses her life over his, even though he shows emotions and was apart of her family. even though it isn’t outright stated, this kind of reminds me how sometimes we as autistic people are seen as a burden on our families, despite us being able to care for ourselves.

once andy gets rook’s chip inserted he becomes “better”. “better” motor skills, “better” intelligence, and “better” everything. but yet, he still portrays autistic characteristics. he doesn’t go from autistic to not autistic, he just starts displaying different autistic traits. he is very knowledgeable about tech, aliens, and the human body, while being very objective about what the right thing to do is. instead of being a very empathetic person, he is a very practical and calculating person, which i think is super interesting.

honestly, i think it would have been really interesting to see him be the sole survivor. to have him get his revenge on the sister that betrayed him and the world who bullied him for his raise and ability.

okay now to androids, synthetics, and robots as a whole. robots are seen as cold and emotionless, similarly to how autistic people are seen, so many ai and robot characters are autistic coded. robots don’t have compassion or empathy in the eyes of the general public, same as autistic people. many autistic people have reclaimed robot characters to represent us, and i think that’s fantastic !!

i specifically love artificial humans in the alien franchise because they showcase so much depth and empathy, while still displaying autistic traits. and beyond that, most of these artificial humans are enslaved by a corporation (weyland yutani), and despite direct programming from their oppressors, most artificial humans end up doing the right moral thing in the end, further proving their humanity. despite being technically non human, i genuinely think they’re good autistic representation. do i like the way that the characters around them treat them ? no. but i think that might be the point. the point is that these characters are ableist and racist and shouldn’t be considered morally correct. i think that the writers could convey this in a better way though.

okay. racism discussion time. several times throughout this series we encounter artificial humans, and almost every time they have to correct their peers on the right terminology to use for them. as a native person who has had to tell multiple people (coworkers, professors, etc.) not to call me an indian, this really stuck with me growing up, and i still think it’s interesting to this day. in alien: romulus andy’s sister uses “synthetic” to refer to him MULTIPLE TIMES, after he’s stated that he prefers artificial human. this is important, because even though he’s family she still does not fully understand what he goes through and she does not respect his identity or boundaries.

there are also multiple instances throughout the series where characters (our beloved ripley included) have prejudice against artificial humans because of bad experiences with artificial humans in the past. this causes human characters to attack and/or harass artificial humans who they have just met for no other reason than their race. in alien: romulus we see a character be hostile towards andy because another unrelated artificial human made a choice to save the many over the few, and his mother died. this is a choice that many humans would make and would not be blamed for. this reflects the real world, where people of color are blamed for almost every choice they make, while white folks can make the same choices and not be criticized.

in conclusion, i love the character of andy and i think him and the alien franchise as a whole is so interesting. let me know if you want a deep dive into the themes of sexual violence, birth, and motherhood in the alien series !! i’ve done a whole research paper on it, and my college admissions essay was about the alien queen, so i know quite a lot !! i hope this drives a lot more fans towards the alien fandom and i hope a bunch more merch comes out !! yippee !!