Response to Discussion about AI use in Ask Hank Anything

Hello Complexly Community, 

You may have seen the discussion about Hank using ChatGPT for research in a “Future Hank” segment of Ask Hank Anything, or you may just have questions about how the 80+ person team behind Crash Course, SciShow, Eons, and Bizarre Beasts makes our videos. Thank you for coming here to learn more about this.

First, we want you to know that Complexly does not produce videos written, edited, or fact-checked by AI. We developed an AI policy in the wake of LLMs and our team and freelancers have been following it since 2023. You can read it here: https://complexly.info/aipolicy. Our policy does allow for the limited use of AI tools in preliminary research, in part because AI has become ubiquitous in places like Google search and other software services, which creates a gray area for where ideas can originate. Putting guardrails around other parts of our processes enables a clear and enforceable policy. For example, this is one of the reasons our fact checking team is so important. 

Complexly’s AI policy does not apply to work that Hank has created independently from us, like on his vlogbrothers or hankschannel videos, so you can find his personal perspective on this here: https://bit.ly/hankresponse. On a recent “Future Hank” segment of Ask Hank Anything, which is produced by Complexly, Hank did indeed use ChatGPT for his preliminary research. While this does not violate Complexly’s AI Policy, going forward we have new workflows for “Future Hank” segments that will eliminate possible confusion. 

The reason we have an AI policy is because we believe in the unique and essential value of human creativity. We believe that human-created work is deeper, more nuanced, more interesting, and more trustworthy. And we prioritize all of those things over efficiency. Complexly’s scripts and video concepts are developed by human writers and editors, and under the guidance of human subject matter experts when needed. They are then filmed, edited, and designed by humans before being fact-checked and uploaded by humans. Finally, they’re watched by humans. We make these videos for you and we value your trust above all else.

Across our nearly 15 years,  through changes in platforms, audiences, and technology,  we have built in more and more checks and balances to ensure Complexly content is not only enjoyable to watch but trustworthy and accurate.  Our audiences are key stakeholders in that mission; YOU are a key stakeholder in that mission, and we are especially grateful for your care and engagement as we navigate the impacts of changing technology on our work.

Julie Walsh Smith 

CEO, Complexly