Year 2025 marks the popularization of a common derogatory term for robots
In the ever-evolving world of technology, a term from the Star Wars universe has found a new life in the digital age - the derogatory label "clanker." Originating from the 2005 video game Star Wars: Republic Commando and popularized in the Star Wars fandom, particularly in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008), the term has been reincarnated and gained renewed popularity, especially among Generation Z and Gen Alpha.
Coined as a pejorative for robots or AI, "clanker" highlights their mechanical, noisy, and impersonal nature. In recent years, this term has been revived on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where it is used as a slang or slur term for AI and robots. This trend is partly driven by the cultural moment around AI technologies and internet meme culture.
The term "clanker" is both a legacy Star Wars reference and a modern critique of AI. It serves as a playful but critical cultural response to new technology, with people using it to poke fun at or deride artificial intelligence in a lighthearted, meme-centric way. A popular video on these platforms shows a delivery robot on wheels, with people shouting "Clanker! Clanker! Clanker!" as they drive past it.
The 2025 job market is expected to be the most challenging in the last decade, particularly affecting Gen Z, who are now graduating from college. Amidst these changes, the term "clanker" has risen to viral levels on TikTok and Instagram, reflecting the apprehension and humor surrounding the integration of AI in our everyday lives.
A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that the majority of Americans are wary about the use of AI in the workplace, with 62% believing it will have a major impact on workers over the next 20 years. Despite these concerns, AI is currently seen as a tool to enhance human work and turbocharge productivity, rather than replacing human jobs entirely.
AI experts like Adam Dorr, the director of Research for Rethinx, believe that this could lead to a world where humans are liberated from the drudgery of work, with robots and AI taking over the production and distribution of goods. However, the future use of the "clanker" term in a world dominated by AI is uncertain.
In conclusion, the term "clanker" provides a unique lens through which to view the intersection of technology, culture, and society. As AI continues to transform the job market and our daily lives, the term's evolution and use offer insight into our collective anxieties and fascination with artificial intelligence.
References:
[1] Clanker (Star Wars) - Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Clanker
[2] Clanker (Star Wars: Republic Commando) - Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Clanker_(Star_Wars:_Republic_Commando)
[3] Clanker - Urban Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Clanker
[4] Clanker - Know Your Meme. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/clanker
[5] Clanker - TV Tropes. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Clanker
- In the realm of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments, there's a growing consensus about the need for ethical AI integration in their operations, considering its increasing prevalence and impact on lifestyle.
- With the anticipated widespread adoption of defi (decentralized finance) and credit systems in the coming years, utilizing AI and AI-powered tools could be crucial for streamlining processes and ensuring efficient interactions, while avoiding the derogatory connotations associated with "clanker."
- As Gen Z and Gen Alpha grapple with the effects of AI technology on their career paths and future employment, they competently navigate the digital landscape, using platforms like social media and entertainment to exchange ideas, showcase their creations, and engage in discussions about AI and artificial intelligence.
- The evolution of "clanker" as a term and its increasing popularity can serve as an interesting case study for artificial intelligence in the field of artificial intelligence research and development, particularly when examining the interplay between technology, culture, and society.
