Black Mirror’s “Be Right Back””: How does Human Emotion Impact our Relationship with Technology and AI?

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Abstract

In this infographic, I discuss Netflix’s popular show Black Mirror and the episode titled “Be Right Back.” As this infographic was created for Dr. Hüsing’s Senior Seminar (ENGL 4397) class, I discuss an aspect of a human relationship with technology and artificial intelligence, which as displayed in the episode, focuses on how even seemingly perfect technology and artificial intelligence cannot always meet the needs required by humans. In the episode, a grieving woman comes into contact with a technological service that uses AI to replicate a person, even down to their mannerisms, jokes, etc. What she discovers, however, is that this technology is interrupting her grieving process and sadness and making it worse than it was before, frustrating her to no end; despite looking and acting like her partner, it will never be him or replace him. This episode highlights the idea that humans and technology can be intertwined only to an extent, for there are some things, such as love and relationships, that technology can never replicate or produce, no matter how advanced or seemingly flawless it is. I hope you enjoy my infographic!

Project: Black Mirror’s “Be Right Back””: How does Human Emotion Impact our Relationship with Technology and AI?