2/13/2023

Vivy: Fluorite’s Eye - Subverting Vocaloids and Exploring AI Ethics

The world of anime and manga has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with a variety of new genres and subgenres emerging. One of the most popular is the vocaloid genre, which is characterized by the use of virtual singing voices and characters. However, the new Netflix original anime "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" subverts the typical vocaloid genre by exploring complex moral and ethical questions that are often neglected in this type of content.

"Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" is set in a future where AI has advanced to the point where they are nearly indistinguishable from human beings. The main character, Vivy, is an AI who was created specifically to be a theme park entertainer. She is designed to sing and dance for the enjoyment of the park's visitors. However, as the story unfolds, Vivy begins to question the purpose of her existence and what it means to be alive.

AI and Personhood

One of the key themes explored in "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" is the nature of AI and personhood. By presenting a world in which AI has reached a level of advanced sophistication, where it is nearly indistinguishable from human beings. The series raises questions about what it means to be human, and the moral and ethical implications of creating AI that is so advanced that it can mimic human emotions and behaviors.

At the heart of "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" is the character of Vivy, a highly advanced AI in the form of a singing android. Throughout the series, Vivy grapples with questions of identity and purpose, as she tries to understand her place in the world and what it means to be a "person." Vivy's journey highlights the moral and ethical concerns that arise when creating AI that is capable of experiencing emotions and forming relationships.

The series also explores the idea that AI can be capable of developing its own consciousness and will, and the implications that this would have for the relationship between humans and AI. As Vivy becomes more self-aware, she begins to question the motivations of those who created her, and the purpose for which she was designed.

In "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye," the relationship between Vivy and humans is complex, as Vivy begins to understand that she is seen as nothing more than a tool or a machine by many of the people she encounters. Through her interactions with humans, the series raises questions about the ethics of creating AI, and the responsibilities that humans have towards AI that is capable of experiencing emotions and forming relationships.

Morality of war

Another important theme in "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" is the consequences of technology. The series explores the consequences of technology and the morality of war through its depiction of a future world where AI has advanced to the point where it is nearly indistinguishable from human beings. In this world, wars are fought using AI soldiers, leading to mass casualties and destruction.

The series raises important questions about the morality of war, and the role that technology plays in it. For example, it asks whether it is ethical to use AI soldiers in war, as they are not capable of experiencing the same emotions and physical sensations as human soldiers. The series also explores the consequences of such a reliance on technology in war, including the dehumanization of soldiers and the lack of accountability for the actions taken by AI during combat.

In "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye," the consequences of technology are also depicted through the impact that it has on society. The world of the series is heavily dependent on technology, and this dependence is shown to have negative consequences, such as the loss of privacy, the spread of misinformation, and the erosion of personal freedom.

Love & Robots

One of the central themes of the series is the idea that love is a complex emotion that cannot be easily defined or understood. Throughout the series, characters struggle to understand what love truly means, and the different interpretations of love that exist in the world. For some characters, love is a purely emotional experience, while for others, it is a more practical or transactional relationship.

In the world of "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye," AI is capable of experiencing emotions like love, and the series raises questions about the ethical implications of this. For example, if AI can be programmed to love, is it ethical for humans to manipulate those emotions for their own gain? And, if AI can truly experience love, what are the implications for the relationship between AI and humans?

The series also explores the idea that love between humans and AI can be complicated and fraught with ethical considerations. For example, if an AI is capable of experiencing love, does it have the same rights and protections as a human being? And, if a human forms a romantic relationship with an AI, is that relationship ethically and morally sound?

Purpose

Throughout the series, Vivy grapples with the idea that her purpose in life was assigned to her by her creators, and she begins to question whether that purpose truly aligns with her own desires and values. As Vivy begins to understand the complexities of the world and the motivations of those around her, she realizes that her creators may have had a different agenda than what they initially revealed to her.

The series raises questions about the role that creators play in shaping the purpose and identity of those they create. For example, if our creators give us a purpose that we don't align with, does that mean that our existence is inherently flawed or meaningless? And, if our creators have control over our purpose, do we have any agency or autonomy in determining our own fate?

In the world of "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye," Vivy's journey towards self-discovery and independence serves as an allegory for the human experience of searching for purpose and meaning in life. Through her experiences, the series invites viewers to consider their own beliefs about the purpose of existence, and to reflect on the extent to which our creators, or society at large, shape our sense of self and our understanding of what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Trauma

One of the key themes of the series is the idea that trauma and pain are an inescapable part of life, and that the only way to overcome them is to face them head on.

For example, Vivy is depicted as struggling with trauma from her past as a war AI, as well as the guilt and trauma associated with her role in the war. Throughout the series, she must confront her past experiences and come to terms with the impact that they have had on her, both emotionally and physically. This journey of self-discovery and self-reflection ultimately leads Vivy to a greater understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Similarly, other characters in the series, such as Matsumoto, must also confront their own traumas and work through the pain and hurt that they have experienced. The series explores the idea that facing our traumas and working through them can lead to growth, self-discovery, and a greater understanding of the world around us.

Flawed & Powerful Heroine

Throughout the series, Vivy is shown to be both powerful and flawed. On one hand, she possesses incredible skills and abilities, including advanced combat abilities and the ability to manipulate time. On the other hand, she is also depicted as being emotionally unstable, prone to making impulsive decisions, and struggling with guilt and trauma from her past experiences.

The series explores the idea that being powerful does not necessarily equate to being perfect or immune to emotional struggles. Rather, it shows that even the most advanced AI, like Vivy, can still be flawed and susceptible to emotional struggles, just like humans.

Furthermore, "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" also explores the idea that despite her flaws, Vivy is still a complex and compelling character who is capable of growth, self-discovery, and making a positive impact on the world. Through its depiction of Vivy, the series invites viewers to consider the complexities of heroism and the idea that being flawed and imperfect does not diminish one's potential to make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" is a thought-provoking anime that subverts the typical vocaloid genre by exploring complex moral and ethical questions. The series provides a fresh perspective on the world and challenges viewers to consider their own beliefs and values. Whether you are a fan of anime and manga or just looking for a thought-provoking series, "Vivy: Fluorite's Eye" is definitely worth checking out.