Is an AI backlash brewing? What 'clanker' says about growing frustrations with emerging tech

## “NPC”: Why Calling Someone an AI is the Newest Online Slur

The internet loves a good insult. From “Karen” to “OK Boomer,” viral phrases can quickly become weaponized, used to dismiss and demean entire groups of people. But a new term has entered the online lexicon, one that reveals our anxieties about artificial intelligence while simultaneously degrading human individuality: “NPC.”

“NPC,” short for “Non-Player Character,” comes from the world of video games. In games, NPCs are the characters that populate the world but aren’t controlled by the player. They typically have limited dialogue options, repetitive behaviors, and generally serve as background elements rather than active participants in the story.

So, why has this gaming term jumped into the mainstream as an insult? Because calling someone an NPC implies that they are mindless followers, lacking independent thought and simply echoing popular opinions. It’s a way to suggest someone is unoriginal, predictable, and devoid of their own personality.

Think about it: in an age where AI is rapidly advancing, raising questions about sentience and the future of human work, labeling someone an “NPC” carries a particularly stinging weight. It taps into the fear that humans are becoming increasingly replaceable, reduced to algorithms that simply regurgitate information they’ve been fed.

The term often gets used in online political discourse, particularly when criticizing individuals perceived as blindly adhering to a certain ideology. Someone who consistently parrots talking points from a particular political party might be labeled an “NPC” by their opponents. This highlights the weaponization of the term to silence dissent and invalidate opposing viewpoints.

But the problem with “NPC” goes beyond simple political disagreements. It’s a dehumanizing label that attempts to strip individuals of their unique perspectives and lived experiences. Everyone has their own story, their own reasons for holding the beliefs they do. Reducing someone to a pre-programmed robot not only shuts down meaningful conversation but also contributes to a climate of online toxicity and division.

Furthermore, the irony is palpable. Accusing someone of being an NPC ironically requires a lack of critical thinking. It’s a broad-brush generalization that ignores the complexities of human behavior and the many factors that influence a person’s beliefs.

While playful banter and humorous insults are part of online culture, it’s crucial to be mindful of the language we use and the impact it can have. Labeling someone an “NPC” may seem like a clever way to dismiss their opinions, but ultimately it contributes to a more hostile and polarized online environment. Let’s strive for respectful dialogue and genuine understanding, even when we disagree. Let’s avoid reducing each other to programmable automatons and recognize the inherent value in every human perspective.