Summary
In the fourth episode of Hey, Did You Know? An AUT Podcast, Justin Matthews chats to host Mike Kilpatrick about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the impact it’s having on our lives.
After a random fact that gives context to how short our lives are, they begin chatting about one of Justin's earlier publications on Judge Dredd and why the satirical point of the comic has been missed.
They then talk about generative AI, authenticity, bias, and other ethical issues around its use, with Justin highlighting the good and bad from his point of view and why he thinks it’s transformative.
The duo then discuss bringing back performers from the dead via AI as well as ABBA’s decision to ‘tour’ using ABBAtars and the rise of deepfakes.
Justin is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Communication Studies at AUT.
Before joining AUT, Justin had an extensive career in the commercial sector specialising in digital media and communication.
His teaching covers a wide range of topics related to digital media, including cutting-edge technologies and their role in enhancing communication experiences.
Main Topics & Discussion
- Who is Judge Dredd and why it matters that media invoke the cartoon character
Judge Dredd is satirical – not an instruction manual!
https://theconversation.com/who-is-judge-dredd-and-why-it-matters-that-media-invoke-the-cartoon-character-124412
- Holograms and AI can bring performers back from the dead – but will the fans keep buying it?
Fan longing, ethics and AI – Justin Matthews and Angelique Nairn dissect holographic performances and bringing artists back from the dead with the ABBA Voyage concerts showcasing ABBAtars. https://theconversation.com/holograms-and-ai-can-bring-performers-back-from-the-dead-but-will-the-fans-keep-buying-it-202431
- Generative AI and copyright - AI startup Anthropic agrees to pay $1.5bn to settle book piracy lawsuit https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/05/anthropic-settlement-ai-book-lawsuit
- Robin Williams' daughter [Zelda] pleads for people to stop sending AI videos of her dad https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0r0erqk18jo
- Four Thousand Hours book (not Five Thousand as Mike said during the episode!) - https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/four-thousand-weeks-9781784704001
Community & Calls to Action
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2. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autuninews/
3. Tell us what you want to know about next: media@aut.ac.nz
Credits
Host – Mike Kilpatrick
Editors – Mike Kilpatrick
Producer – Mike Kilpatrick
Executive Producer – Nicola Igusa
Music – Clinton Watkins
Design – AUT Brand Team