A preferred reality: Film portrayals of robots and AI in popular science fiction

The increasing frequency and depth of human interaction with robots and artificial intelligence (AI) prompts this research study into how media-framed portrayals of technology in popular visual media might construct social reality. Cinema serves as an important and influential form of media, and portrayals of technology in film media can influence public perceptions, specifically confirming or creating perceptions of artificial or robotic intelligence. Previous research identifies frequent portrayals of robots and AI as deceptive, aggressive monsters in films like Fritz Lang’s Metropolis and James Cameron’s The Terminator. However, as the distance between fantastic technology collapses into a new social reality where humans, AI and robots exist together, film portrayals reflect a more nuanced view and changing expectations for human-robot, human-AI interactions. The study applies framing theory and a content analysis methodology to examine filmmakers’ choices to determine robot and AI character types frequenting popular cinema. Seventeen popular films yielded 592 scenes to analyse. Findings from this quantitative content analysis revealed patterns portraying robots and AI more often as friendly, helpful companions of humans, rather than menacing or harmful to humans. Therefore, the researchers conclude that modern films primarily depict cohesive and complimentary interactions between humans and living technology, reflecting on heavy technology use and dependency. Furthermore, individuals who create these films may be illustrating scenes of a preferred reality, where AI and robots are meant to be our helpers, rather than threatening replacements in both society and industry.

Portrayals of career women in Hollywood films: implications for the glass ceiling’s persistence

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to explore negative and stereotype-threatening depictions of career women in Hollywood films. The study draws on stereotype threat research to reflect on how such portrayals might undermine women’s career aspirations and contribute to the glass ceiling’s persistence, and proposes an agenda for future research. Design/methodology/approach – Bridging social role theories with conceptual models of films as social “texts”, the author explored depictions of 165 career women presented by 137 films, focusing on negative and potentially stereotype-threatening personal and professional characteristics and contexts. Findings – Thematic analyses of film portrayals revealed negative and stereotype-threatening characteristics and contexts of career women, including their mean and conniving personalities, promiscuity, isolation, failures at intimacy and inability to balance work and family. Research limitations/implications – Limitations include the subjective interpretations of a single author, a broad exploratory focus and no empirical evidence of connections between film portrayals and career attitudes. Researchers are encouraged to deepen analyses of film portrayals and examine linkages with stereotype threat and career behaviours sustaining the glass ceiling. Practical implications – Given the pervasive reach of the media and the potential for consumers to internalize its messages, the negative depictions documented here could bear an adverse effect on women’s career aspirations, contributing to the glass ceiling’s survival. Originality/value – Questioning the role of the media, in particular the portrayals of career women in film, provides an additional angle to understand why the glass ceiling endures.