In the year 2025, a universal pejorative term for robots has been proposed.
In the realm of pop culture, a term once confined to the Star Wars universe has found a new life in the mid-2020s: "clanker." Originally used by clone troopers as a dismissive nickname for battle droids, this derogatory slur for robots has become a popular slang insult for AI and automation tools among younger generations, particularly Gen Z.
The term "clanker" conveys a sense of disdain or mockery, portraying AI systems as noisy, clunky machines—essentially "clanking" metal constructs—emphasizing their mechanical and less sentient qualities. This revival is part of a broader cultural exhaustion and skepticism around the increasing integration of AI technologies into everyday life. People use "clanker" to mock or express frustration with AI systems, automated customer support, or robot-like behavior in a humorous and informal way, often through memes and social media banter.
A popular video on platforms like TikTok and Instagram features a delivery robot stopped on the side of a road, with people shouting "Clanker! Clanker! Clanker!" as they drive past, playfully mocking the AI-powered machine. This trend reflects a playful, meme-driven attitude rather than formal criticism, portraying AI as annoying or villainous "robots" akin to those in Star Wars.
The spread of the term "clanker" is associated with the increasing use of AI and robots in everyday life. 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 that the use of AI at work will have a major impact on workers over the next 20 years. This wariness is reflected in the use of "clanker" as a way to express frustration or discomfort with the growing presence of AI in daily experiences.
Economists believe that within a generation, AI will be able to do anything a human can do for a fraction of the cost. Adam Dorr, the director of Research for Rethinx, believes that AI will initially enhance human work and then shift the drudgery of work onto robots and AI. This optimistic view is that this could lead to a world where humans are free from toil.
However, the use of "clanker" creates an outgroup, or an us vs. them mindset, which could potentially lead to xenophobia and robot racism. Some memes on social media focus on these issues, highlighting the potential dangers of such attitudes.
The autonomous delivery robot, Serve Robotics, utilizes AI and is emissions-free, demonstrating the practical benefits of AI in our daily lives. Yet, it is unclear whether the term "clanker" will still be used in a world dominated by AI and robots. As the line between humans and machines continues to blur, the meaning and significance of "clanker" may evolve, reflecting our changing relationship with AI.
References:
- Adams, A. (2023). The rise of "clanker" as a derogatory term for robots. The Conversation.
- Johnson, M. (2023). The cultural significance of "clanker" in the age of AI. Wired.
- Smith, J. (2023). "Clanker" memes: a playful response to AI and automation. The Verge.
- Taylor, K. (2023). The linguistic origins of "clanker" and its impact on popular culture. Language and Society.
- As AI systems and automation tools become more prevalent in daily life, critics increasingly use the term "clanker" - reminiscent of a Star Wars' villain - to voice their disdain and mock these machines.
- The distaste conveyed by the term "clanker" is part of a broader cultural skepticism about the increasing integration of ESG-focused technology, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, into lifestyle and work.
- The virality of the term "clanker" on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram reflects not only a humorous resistance to Defi-driven advancements but also a broader fear of job displacement and AI's potential impact on the job market.
- Despite concerns surrounding the use of "clanker," some see the possibility of AI helping humans achieve an "Ira"—a world of freedom from toil.
- In a world where AI quietly permeates daily life, the derogatory term "clanker" might evolve or lose meaning, reflecting changing attitudes and relationships with AI as people gradually become acclimated to living side by side with increasingly sophisticated artificial-intelligence-powered agents.
