AI-generated videos simulating historical experiences have surged online, captivating millions on platforms like TikTok. Creators Dan and Hogne lead the charge, offering unique reenactments of life during notable historical periods, prompting questions about authenticity and accuracy.
Dan, based in the UK, explained to the BBC his motivation for creating these videos, stating, "The idea of looking at history from the first-person perspective is a unique way to bring history to life." Meanwhile, Hogne—who hails from Norway—expressed how his content allows people to explore fascinating aspects of history. His most popular video showcasing medieval London during the Black Death amassed 53 million views, enticing audiences to travel back, if only digitally, to those tumultuous times.
Despite their popularity, historians like Dr. Amy Boyington remain skeptical of the historical portrayals, voicing concerns over their accuracy. Dr. Boyington commented, "It looks like a scene from a video game, a world created to seem realistic but is actually fabricated," highlighting several inaccuracies displayed such as the presence of large glass windows and train tracks, which were nonexistent during the 14th century. Dr. Hannah Platts echoed similar doubts, particularly criticizing representations of events like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius based on inaccurate historical narratives.
Dr. Boyington warned, "These interpretations can be dangerous when someone deliberately distorts history," indicating the risks when audiences perceive such depictions as fact, especially vulnerable youth encountering historical moments for the first time through these digital lenses.
Dan, acknowledging critics, asserted, "I always encourage viewers to research history if they're interested. I see these videos as a way to spark curiosity about the past." Conversely, Hogne emphasized feeling a sense of responsibility, aiming to improve accuracy in future videos, especially since his reach extends to millions.
The potential for misinformation within these AI-generated recreations provokes concern among scholars. Dr. Platts elaborated on the issue, stating, "We see more and more students using AI, and it's concerning when they encounter this content and then reflect it back as if it's true." The ramifications could amplify misconceptions about historical events and figures.
Conversing about the broader impact of AI on historical content creation, experts like Professor Elizabeth Frood and Professor Barbara Keys provided mixed reviews. Frood noted, "If done accurately and reliably, these videos would provide immense benefits to the public by sparking interest and awareness of history." She maintains, though, the importance of grounding such representations with thorough research and accessible sources. She added, "We need to approach critically, as we have no idea where this video draws its data or what information the AI utilized to create it."
Professor Keys highlighted the allure of these AI efforts as not merely historical content but as reflections of public curiosity about AI itself. She articulated, "Fascination with these videos might stem not from the historical content but from public curiosity about what AI can do," indicating the interface between entertainment and education technology today.
While acknowledging inevitable errors, Hogne anticipated improvements for the AI tools they use, stating, "AI can make many mistakes, but these tools will become more accurate over time." He also recognized the learning curve faced, as each video currently takes hours to produce. The interplay between achieving accuracy and the allure of engaging content remains complex.
The growing trend of AI-generated videos offers both exciting possibilities and noteworthy warnings. With the capability to elicit curiosity about history, these innovators' work, if refined for accuracy, could spark newfound interest across varying audiences. Still, the need for diligence exists, prompting viewers to question and reflect critically on historical representations they encounter online.