The death of human referents in the age of AI : An analysis of virtual cloning in video through the case of Tavus and Synthesia

Abstract

The development of synthetic media and virtual humans has the potential to significantly impact the way we interact with the world around us. These technologies can create realistic and engaging simulations of people and events, which can blur the lines between the real and the virtual. This has the potential to have several implications for real humans as referents and society as a whole. One of the most significant implications of synthetic media and virtual humans is that they can create virtual clones of real people. Virtual clones are computer-generated characters designed to look and act like real people. They can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, and even therapy. While virtual clones can be beneficial in some ways, they can also hurt real humans as referents. The development of synthetic media and virtual humans is a rapidly evolving field. It is important to be aware of the potential implications of these technologies for real humans and society as a whole. By understanding these implications, we can better prepare for the future and mitigate the potential risks.