Two TikTok accounts, POV Lab and Time Traveller POV, have taken the platform by storm with their AI-generated videos depicting various historical time periods. These videos, crafted using tools like Chat GPT for research alongside AI-generated images, animations, and soundscapes, offer unique glimpses into the past. One video has remarkably garnered 53 million views, demonstrating the viral nature of this content. However, while these videos have captivated audiences, they have also sparked a debate over their historical accuracy and educational value.
Dan and Hogne, the creators behind these TikTok accounts, acknowledge the historical inaccuracies present in their videos. Dan clarifies that the videos are not intended to be seen as pure historical fact but rather as a means to spark curiosity about history. Hogne echoes this sentiment, noting that the videos aim to teach viewers about intriguing aspects of history and encourage them to learn something new. Despite their intentions, historians have voiced significant concerns regarding the reliability of these portrayals.
Dr. Hannah Platts critiqued a video depicting the eruption of Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii, highlighting notable inaccuracies. She expressed worries about students encountering such content and potentially mistaking it for factual information. Dr. Platts emphasized the importance of students engaging with verified historical sources.
"We see lots of students now using AI, and what's problematic is if they see something like this and then it's echoed back to us as if it's fact." – Dr Platts
Prof. Elizabeth Frood also raised concerns about the creation process of these videos, stressing the need for accurate and reliable historical research. She noted that while such videos could inspire public interest in history, their educational value hinges on their accuracy.
"If done accurately and reliably then this is of immense benefit to the public as it raises interest and awareness of history." – Elizabeth Frood
Dr. Amy Boyington described a medieval-themed video as "amateurish" and more focused on being evocative and sensational rather than historically precise. She suggested that while the videos could serve as gateways into history, viewers should conduct their own research for a more comprehensive understanding.
"Gateway into history and can inspire someone to do their own research." – Dr Boyington
Barbara Keys pointed out that these videos provide only a snapshot of complex historical narratives, such as those of ancient Egypt, which span thousands of years. She urged viewers to critically assess these videos due to the lack of transparency regarding their sources or the information fed to AI systems during creation.
"We need to be critical of this video as we know nothing about its source or what information was fed to the AI in order for this video to be created." – Barbara Keys
The creators, Dan and Hogne, remain transparent about their use of AI tools and the potential for errors. Dan ensures that all videos are clearly labeled as AI-created, while Hogne is considering providing links to the sources he used in future content. Hogne acknowledged the challenges in achieving complete accuracy due to time constraints and working independently.
"It would be cool to make it totally accurate using the right sources, but it's just me on my own making these videos and it takes eight hours to make each one." – Hogne
Despite these challenges, Hogne remains optimistic about future advancements in AI technology.
"AI can make a lot of errors but in the future the tools will get better." – Hogne
The videos have not only captured widespread fascination but have also sparked discussions about misinformation spreading unchecked on social media platforms. Some viewers seemed unaware that these AI-generated videos were not based on historical facts, raising concerns about potential misconceptions.
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