“Her,” a captivating 2013 film by Spike Jonze, tells the story of Theodore Twombly, who falls in love with his operating system, Samantha. The futuristic plot delves deep into emotions, human connections, and artificial intelligence (AI), capturing the imagination of its viewers. In an age where technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, teaching students about ‘Her’ movie can be an insightful learning experience. This article discusses the ways in which educators can use the film as an educational tool to facilitate discussions on human relationships and the ethics of AI development.
1. Understanding Human Connections
The prime focus of ‘Her’ is Theodore’s relationship with Samantha, which teaches a valuable lesson about human connections and emotions. As students watch the film, encourage them to analyze his relationship with the AI system. How does it evolve over time? What factors contribute to the deepening bond between them? By examining the nuances of their connection, students can appreciate the intricacies of personal relationships.
Classroom activity idea: Divide students into groups and have them create a timeline highlighting key moments in Theodore and Samantha’s relationship. Allow for group discussion afterwards.
2. Highlighting AI Development
As a science fiction film based on advanced technology, ‘Her’ offers ample opportunities to discuss artificial intelligence and its implications on society. Have students research AI development and compare it with how Samantha functions in the film. Investigate how AI could potentially impact real-life situations similar to those portrayed in ‘Her’.
Classroom activity idea: Arrange a debate wherein one team argues for the potential benefits of highly advanced AI systems like Samantha, while another team presents the possible risks.
3. Ethical Discussions
Teaching students about ‘Her’ movie also presents an opportunity for important ethical discussions concerning artificial intelligence and our interaction with technology. Encourage open conversations about the potential future of AI and the ethical considerations surrounding their development. For example, how should technology be created with ethical boundaries in mind? What are the moral implications of developing AI systems that can simulate emotions?
Classroom activity idea: Assign students to roleplay various stakeholders (AI developers, lawmakers, ethicists) faced with making important decisions concerning AI development.
4. Exploring Cinematography
While the story is at the forefront, the visual narrative of ‘Her’ is equally important in understanding its themes. Invite students to explore cinematography techniques employed by Spike Jonze to create an immersive world that engages viewers both emotionally and visually.
Classroom activity idea: Organize a film analysis workshop where students must identify and describe the cinematographic elements that contribute to the thematic development of ‘Her.’
