How to avoid falling into the void
The Uncanny Valley
What is it, and how do you avoid falling into it?
I saw this creepy mask tied to the front of a van, and it reminded me of something I saw on LinkedIn recently.
Someone posted a video which looked like them at first, but there was something odd about the features, movement and the voice. I sensed it was an AI avatar intended to mimic the author.
The "Uncanny Valley" is a theory about the relationship between the visual similarity between robots and real people. And the psychological effect this has on us. If the balance is wrong, the result is unnerving. Perhaps this is why so many horror movies feature masks, clowns and dolls.
This makes me wonder why and how we want to show up online in B2B marketing. If “people buy from people” and “business is built on trust”, what impression do we make if our image is fake?
Video production is inherently manipulative. Creators make conscious or subconscious choices about what they choose to show, say or hide during scriptwriting, filming or editing.
But you are unlikely to fall into the “Uncanny Valley” if it’s really you being filmed in “live-action” (or your voice being recorded).
The line between artificial and authentic may be a thin one, but it’s wise to consider where you want to draw it before you cross it.
Wondering how to show up on video? At Sound Motive, we have a wealth of production experience to help put you in the best light.
To improve your reception, contact us today.