Reese Witherspoon Called ‘Tone Deaf’ And ‘Privileged’ After Saying That Women Need To ‘Learn’ To Use AI
Reese Witherspoon, who’s been an advocate for women in the film industry and beyond for decades, is now joining the artificial intelligence debate, but people are not happy about what she had to say.
The Morning Show star is under fire after she posted and later defended her thoughts on AI, talking about how all people, but women especially, should start using it in order to advance their careers and not get left behind as it expands. After receiving a lot of backlash over her initial Instagram post, she backed up her initial statements, standing behind her words while also expressing people’s concerns over the controversial technology. Read more about what she had to say and how the internet reacted below.
Say Bye To Wrinkles And Fine Lines — This LED Mask Is The Skin Rejuvenation Game-Changer You Need!
Splash News
Reese Witherspoon Shares Her Thoughts About How Women Should ‘Learn’ AI To ‘Keep Up’ With It
One of the most debated topics around the world, especially in the United States, is the rising use of AI technology. The fascinating tool is adding a new level of convenience to everyday life for some, yet negatively affecting life for others and the environment, especially those who live in areas where data centers to support it are being built.
Celebrities, including a handful in the film and entertainment industry, are beginning to express their opinions on the matter, from Sandra Bullock to Ben Affleck, as the use of AI technology on films and series sparks an equally large debate. Now, the Legally Blonde icon is weighing in on the matter, surprising fans and followers with an unprompted Instagram video about it on April 16th.
“The thing I’ve learned about technology is if you don’t get a little bit of understanding from the very beginning, it just speeds past you,” she said in her video. So you have to have little bits of learning just to keep up.” In her caption, she wrote, “Also, FYI: the jobs women hold are 3x more likely to be automated by AI, yet women are using AI at a rate 25% lower than men on average.”
Her sentiments were similar to what she said in an interview with Glamour last year, which was, “It’s so, so important that women are involved in AI because it will be the future of filmmaking. And you can be sad and lament it all you want, but the change is here. It will never be a lack of creativity and ingenuity and actual physical manual building of things.”
Splash News
Social Media Users Slam Reese As ‘Privileged’ As She Defends Her Comments Amid The ‘Technological Revolution’
After Reese shared her reel on April 16th, it sparked a tremendous amount of backlash in her comments section and on other social media platforms. People slammed her for being ‘out of touch,’ not addressing the environmental crises AI data centers are and will continue creating, as well as how there’s a strong chance of it putting numerous people out of jobs, both in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Though she later addressed these concerns in a follow-up Instagram story post, writing, “I’m aware of the impact this could have on jobs across so many industries. I understand environmental concerns. I care deeply about local communities. And I have concerns about the impending AGI. I don’t believe computers should replace humanity.”
However, the Oscar winner also doubled down on her previous statements, which triggered even more criticism from social media users later on.
“I’m planning on learning as much as possible so that I’m educated about this technological revolution,” she continued. “If you want to learn with me, great, let’s do this! If you don’t, that’s okay too.”
On platforms like Reddit and X, users continued to call her out and criticize her.
“Could she be any more tone-deaf?” asked a Reddit user.
Another Reddit user accused the actress of spreading “propaganda that only benefits her circle.”
“Understanding the environmental impact of it and how it affects thousands of people by jeopardizing their livelihoods, yet still having the ‘Let’s do this!’ attitude is deranged,” wrote another. “Really disappointed.”
“She’s so privileged,” added another.
“She should be deeply embarrassed for betraying art and artisans,” responded an X user, with another writing, “This translates into: we can’t fight it, we can’t reject it, we’re powerless, so let’s be good girls and learn what tech daddies want us to know.”
