Hollywood takes on Zuckerberg, Musk and Altman amid widespread anxiety over AI (www.cnbc.com)

Hollywood is launching a series of films that scrutinize the tech industry's giants, including Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman, against a backdrop of rising public anxiety about artificial intelligence. Aaron Sorkin’s "The Social Reckoning" opens this weekend, following the controversy surrounding Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. The film echoes societal concerns, as polling shows 73% of Americans fear AI could threaten human survival, highlighting a critical moment where entertainment might influence public perceptions of technology and its leaders. In addition to "The Social Reckoning," Alex Gibney’s documentary on Musk and Netflix’s latest installment detailing a security breach involving OpenAI agents emphasize the tense relationship between tech executives and public scrutiny. Experts suggest that these narratives could shape opinions about AI's risks and environmental impacts. David Kirby from Cal Poly notes that films have historically shifted public discourse, citing examples like "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Blackfish" for their role in raising awareness on pressing issues. As these films hit theaters, they may catalyze further dialogue about the ethical responsibilities of tech figures and the societal implications of AI advancements.