When I adopted a Data Science minor last year, I was fascinated by the concepts of becoming a master of data analysis, AI, and machine learning. These concepts easily fit into digital culture and information, which explores how software, technology, and more influence the digital age of the Internet. I believe DeepFake technology lies at the intersection of my minor and this class’s content.
While the Internet is seemingly oversaturated with articles detailing the negative effects of this technology, I would like my project to unique analyze the positive effects of DeepFakes. In a few years, I believe this technology will have numerous personal and commercial uses that will benefit society. These may include, but are not limited to recreating dead musical artists, transforming art to create “living” portraits, and training employees.
First, dead artists could be reanimated. Celebrity talents like Michael Jackson and John Lennon have passed and their live performances with them. However, DeepFakes unlock the ability to bring these artists back to “life” as holograms with animated facial expressions and movements. They could perform live for concerts and engage with fans.
Second, famous art pieces could be animated to create new experiences with viewers and fanatics. DeepFakes can be used to make “living” portraits with facial expressions and engaging conversations.
Finally, employees could be trained by this technology. DeepFake can be used to create fake customers and clients for businesses interested in training their employees in low-pressure environments.
For full disclosure, I am most interested in completing a project on this this technology because of my past experience researching it. When I took DCI180 my freshman year, I remember spending multiple classes learning about DeepFakes. Now, three years later, I would like to revisit the topic to identify its progression. I hope to more thoroughly research the technology and use my project to educate my classmates and professor on the opportunities DeepFakes present.
Sources:
https://my.wlu.edu/digital-culture-and-information
