Theoretical Study of Emotional Engagement and Artificial Intelligence in Animation

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed animation tools and techniques in recent years. The film industry has been quick to integrate the new technology into production methods, which affect creative professionals and their artistic outcomes. However, concerns about the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in creative industries require a closer examination of the ways animators use the recently developed instruments, and the possibilities and implications that accompany them. Based on theoretical analyses, this study focuses in particular on the emotional engagement produced by AI in animation, reviewing some of the latest literature, methods of meaning-making, affective and aesthetic theories, as well as principles of visual and narrative design for animated content, before concentrating on aspects of AI-powered tools that generate emotions, including nostalgia. The objectives of the article are to identify theoretical approaches to enhance animation with AI, to strengthen the understanding of computer-generated animation mechanisms of emotional engagement, to support animators in the use of AI, and to identify ethical and creative considerations for the use of AI in animation.