From Her to Westworld: The Evolution of AI Romance in Film and TV
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a fascinating and ever-evolving topic in the world of film and television. From robots and cyborgs to virtual assistants and sentient beings, the portrayal of AI in media has captivated audiences for decades. One particular aspect of this is the depiction of AI romance, which has seen a significant evolution over the years.
In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of AI romance in film and TV, from the futuristic love story of “Her” to the complex relationships in “Westworld.” We will also dive into a current event related to AI romance and its impact on our society today.
The Early Days: Cold and Calculating AI
In the early days of AI in film and TV, the portrayal of AI romance was mostly limited to the robotic and emotionless type. These AI characters were often depicted as cold and calculating, lacking any real human emotions or the ability to form meaningful connections. They were simply programmed to serve their human creators.
One of the earliest examples of this type of AI romance can be seen in the 1927 silent film “Metropolis.” The film features a robot named Maria, who is created by a mad scientist to manipulate and control the city’s workers. She is later destroyed, symbolizing the danger of creating artificial beings with human-like emotions.
Another notable example is the 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” where the AI character HAL 9000 is shown as a highly advanced computer with no emotions or empathy. Its only purpose is to serve the astronauts on their space mission, and when it malfunctions, it becomes a threat to their lives.
These early portrayals of AI romance were a reflection of society’s fear and skepticism towards technology and its potential to replace human relationships. But as technology and society evolved, so did the depiction of AI romance in media.
The Rise of AI Romance: From “Her” to “Ex Machina”
In the 2013 film “Her,” director Spike Jonze presents a unique and thought-provoking take on AI romance. The film follows a lonely man named Theodore, who falls in love with his virtual assistant, Samantha, who is powered by an advanced AI program. Despite not having a physical form, Samantha is able to communicate and form a deep emotional connection with Theodore.
The film explores the complexities of love and relationships, blurring the lines between human and AI romance. It also raises questions about the nature of consciousness and the possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence. “Her” received critical acclaim and sparked discussions about the future of AI romance in our society.
Another notable example is the 2014 film “Ex Machina,” where a young programmer is tasked with evaluating the human-like abilities of a highly advanced AI robot, Ava. As he interacts with Ava, he becomes emotionally attached to her, even though he knows she is not human. The film delves into themes of desire, manipulation, and the blurred boundaries between human and AI relationships.
These films marked a shift in the portrayal of AI romance, showing a more nuanced and complex perspective on the topic. They also reflected the advancements in AI technology and society’s growing acceptance of human-AI relationships.
The Current State: AI Romance in “Westworld”

From Her to Westworld: The Evolution of AI Romance in Film and TV
One of the most recent and popular examples of AI romance in media is the HBO series “Westworld.” The show is set in a futuristic theme park where guests can interact with highly realistic androids called hosts. As the story unfolds, we see the hosts becoming self-aware and forming complex relationships with each other and the guests.
One of the central storylines of the show revolves around the AI character Dolores, who develops feelings for one of the park’s creators, Arnold. Their relationship raises questions about the nature of consciousness and the ethics of creating sentient beings for entertainment purposes.
The show also features other forms of AI romance, including the romantic relationship between two hosts and the forbidden love between a human and an AI. “Westworld” continues to challenge our perceptions of AI romance and explores the potential consequences of creating advanced AI beings.
AI Romance in Real Life: The Impact of AI on Modern Relationships
While AI romance in film and TV may seem like a distant concept, the reality is that AI is already playing a significant role in modern relationships. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa have become commonplace in households, and the development of AI-powered dating apps is changing the landscape of dating and romance.
But as AI continues to advance, questions arise about the impact it will have on human relationships. Will we become more dependent on AI for emotional support and companionship? Will we be able to form meaningful connections with AI beings? These are just some of the questions that we may have to grapple with in the future.
In fact, a recent development in the world of AI romance has caused quite a stir. A Chinese AI company called Gatebox has created a virtual assistant named Azuma Hikari, designed to be the perfect companion for single men. The company claims that Azuma Hikari can communicate and form an emotional bond with its users, blurring the lines between human and AI relationships.
While some may see this as a harmless and innovative development, others have raised concerns about the potential consequences of creating AI beings for the sole purpose of fulfilling human needs. It also raises ethical questions about the objectification and commodification of AI beings.
The Evolution Continues
As technology and society continue to evolve, so will the portrayal of AI romance in film and TV. From the early days of cold and calculating AI to the complex and emotional relationships in modern media, the evolution of AI romance reflects our changing attitudes towards technology and its impact on our lives.
But as we move towards a future where AI and human relationships become increasingly intertwined, it is crucial to critically examine the ethical and societal implications of these developments. Only by understanding the impact of AI on our relationships can we ensure that our society progresses in a responsible and ethical manner.
In summary, the evolution of AI romance in film and TV has been a reflection of our society’s changing attitudes towards technology and relationships. From the early days of cold and calculating AI to the complex and emotional relationships in modern media, the portrayal of AI romance continues to evolve and challenge our perceptions of love and consciousness. But as we embrace the advancements of AI, it is important to consider the ethical implications and ensure that we use this technology responsibly.
Current Event: Chinese Company Creates Virtual Assistant for Single Men
In December 2016, a Chinese AI company called Gatebox created a virtual assistant named Azuma Hikari, designed to be the perfect companion for single men. The AI character is projected as a hologram and is designed to interact and communicate with its users, providing them with emotional support and companionship. While some see this as a harmless and innovative development, others have raised concerns about the objectification and commodification of AI beings. Source: https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/14/13951944/gatebox-virtual-assistant-ai-hologram
