Why Viral AI Videos Are Stirring Deep Ethical Questions in Tech and Society
Ever stumbled upon a viral AI video so bizarre — and disturbing — that you just had to pause and think? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening right now on platforms like Instagram, where AI-powered clips showing Black women as primates are racking up millions of views. Not exactly the kind of content you’d expect to go viral in 2025, right?
This shocking trend was highlighted in a recent Wired article titled AI Videos of Black Women Depicted as Primates Are Going Viral, revealing a harsh reality about how AI-generated content can perpetuate harmful stereotypes under the guise of entertainment.
What’s Going On Here?
Creators are using Google’s Veo 3, an AI video tool, to produce these “bigfoot baddies” videos, racking up millions of views with tutorials on how anyone can make similar clips for just $15. On the surface, it seems like a fun tech hack — but scratch beneath the surface and you find a deeply troubling narrative about race, representation, and the power of AI.
The Ugly Side of AI Viral Trends
Why does this matter beyond the cringe factor? Because these AI videos aren’t just harmless fun; they echo painful racist caricatures from the past, this time weaponized by cutting-edge tech. It’s a glaring example of how AI can be used to dehumanize, distort identities, and spread misinformation rapidly. And the viral success of these clips shows how easily harmful content can slip through the cracks of social media moderation.
But there’s a bigger question here: how do we balance the immense creative potential of AI with the responsibility to prevent digital harm?
When Tech Needs a Conscience
The Wired piece makes it clear — technology itself isn’t neutral. AI tools reflect the biases of their creators and the datasets they learn from. Without intentional safeguards, we risk amplifying the worst of human prejudice at an unprecedented scale.
This isn’t just an issue for AI developers or social media companies. It touches all of us who consume, share, and engage with digital content every day.
The Personal Impact: Why Inclusive Tech Matters in Family-Building
You might be wondering, what does this have to do with fertility tech and family? More than you think.
At-home insemination kits, like the ones from MakeAMom, represent a hopeful side of tech—empowering individuals and couples to embark on their parenthood journeys with dignity, privacy, and control. These kits are designed inclusively, catering to diverse needs such as low motility sperm or sensitivities, illustrating how technology can uplift rather than diminish.
When technology is wielded thoughtfully, it offers real solutions that respect identity and human experience. The contrast with harmful AI content couldn’t be starker.
What Can We Do?
- Be skeptical: Always question the origin and intent behind viral AI content.
- Support ethical tech: Opt for products and services committed to inclusivity and respect.
- Raise awareness: Talk openly about how digital tools affect communities, especially marginalized groups.
- Advocate for regulation: Encourage platforms and developers to implement stronger safeguards against harmful AI misuse.
Looking Ahead
As AI continues to weave deeper into our lives—from entertainment to reproductive health—the stakes get higher. There's a pressing need for a cultural and technological reckoning that centers ethics and equity.
So next time you see an AI video blowing up your feed, ask yourself: who is this really hurting? And what kind of tech future do you want to be part of?
In the meantime, if you’re exploring family-building options that blend cutting-edge innovation with heartfelt care, companies like MakeAMom offer solutions designed to empower, not exploit.
The digital age is a double-edged sword—let’s wield it wisely. What are your thoughts on AI’s role in shaping culture and community? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!