'Amateur and dangerous': Historians weigh in on viral AI history videos

In recent times, a new trend has emerged on social media, particularly on TikTok, where videos generated by artificial intelligence (AI) have gone viral. These videos depict historical events, such as the Black Plague and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, from a first-person perspective. The creators behind these accounts, Dan from the UK and Hogne from Norway, aim to provide viewers with a unique glimpse into the past. Dan explains that he finds the idea of experiencing history through a personal lens to be an innovative way to engage with historical narratives. Hogne shares that his intention is to educate people about fascinating aspects of history while making learning enjoyable. However, despite the popularity of these videos, several historians have raised concerns regarding their accuracy and the potential implications of presenting history in this manner. They question whether AI can genuinely recreate historical events or if these videos merely offer a modernized and polished version of history designed to attract viewers. One of Hogne's most popular videos, which showcases the grim atmosphere of the Black Plague, has garnered an astonishing 53 million views. While many viewers are captivated by the content, historian Dr. Amy Boyington critiques the video as being 'amateurish' and 'sensationalized' rather than historically accurate. She argues that the visuals resemble something from a video game, presenting a fabricated world that lacks authenticity. Dr. Boyington points out specific inaccuracies, such as the portrayal of houses with large glazed windows and the presence of train tracks, which would not have existed during the 1300s. Similarly, Dr. Hannah Platts, a historian and archaeologist, has identified significant inaccuracies in a video depicting the eruption of Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii. She emphasizes that, based on Pliny the Younger's eyewitness account, the eruption did not begin with lava spewing everywhere, and it is disappointing that the creators did not utilize the wealth of historical information available to them. Dr. Platts also notes smaller errors, such as the inclusion of modern stemmed wine glasses and pepper mills, which were not present during that time. She highlights that the bread roll featured in the video resembles a modern loaf, despite the existence of carbonized loaves from that era. In response to the criticism, Dan acknowledges that many details in his videos are historically inaccurate. He clarifies that the purpose of these videos is not to serve as strict documentaries but rather to evoke the feeling of a particular time period. He believes that they are more akin to artistic interpretations than factual recreations. However, Dr. Boyington expresses concern about the potential consequences of these artistic interpretations on historical understanding. She warns that such videos could lead to the manipulation of history, citing the possibility of someone creating an AI-generated video that supports Holocaust denial. While most viewers may recognize that the content is not entirely factual, Dr. Boyington worries about young people who may encounter these videos as their first introduction to historical events. Dan counters these claims by stating that his videos are not intended to be taken as pure historical fact. He encourages viewers to conduct their own research if they are interested in learning more about history. He views these videos as a means to spark curiosity rather than replace traditional historical education. Hogne shares a similar sentiment, expressing a sense of responsibility in creating these videos and striving for accuracy, especially given their wide reach. Dr. Platts raises concerns about the spread of misinformation, noting that some viewers appear unaware that the AI-generated videos are not based on historical facts. She highlights the issue of students using AI and the potential for them to accept these videos as truth. Dan ensures that all his videos are labeled as AI-generated, while Hogne argues that misinformation has existed long before the advent of AI, emphasizing the need for critical thinking when consuming content. Despite the criticisms, historians acknowledge the potential benefits of Dan and Hogne's videos. Dr. Boyington suggests that they can serve as a gateway into history, inspiring individuals to pursue further research. Professor Elizabeth Frood believes that if the videos are created accurately and reliably, they can significantly benefit the public by raising awareness and interest in historical events. Barbara Keys, a professor of US history, examined a video depicting the Chernobyl disaster and noted the lack of source information. She expressed concern that the video misrepresents Soviet technology, which was actually quite advanced. Professor Frood emphasizes the importance of basing historical reconstructions on thorough research and verifiable sources. She critiques the tendency of these videos to homogenize complex ancient worlds, cautioning that viewers may not realize they are only seeing a limited snapshot of history. Overall, while there are valid concerns regarding the accuracy of AI-generated historical videos, they also hold the potential to engage audiences and encourage further exploration of history. Hogne acknowledges that there are historical inaccuracies in his videos, attributing them to the limitations of AI technology. He expresses hope that future advancements will improve the accuracy of these tools. When asked about the lack of transparency regarding source material, Hogne mentions that he may consider adding links to his information in the future. He admits that creating these videos is a time-consuming process, often taking him eight hours to complete each one. To produce these videos, Hogne relies on AI tools to research specific time periods and generate images. He engages in a back-and-forth process to ensure the visuals align with historical accuracy. Dan, on the other hand, utilizes various AI tools to create high-quality images and sounds for his videos. He dedicates time to studying historical documents to enhance the accuracy of his content. He understands the importance of providing detailed information to the AI to achieve the desired results. In conclusion, while the rise of AI-generated historical videos presents challenges regarding accuracy and interpretation, they also offer opportunities to engage audiences and inspire curiosity about the past.