Uber has become one of the most popular transportation options among younger generations. But what happens when what should have been a straightforward ride turns into a nightmare? This is exactly what a New York woman experienced while capturing her journey on TikTok. Since being posted, the video has gone viral, with numerous social media users sharing and commenting on the “terrifying” incident.
@elise_carlin
ok so this is an uber first for me loool — didn’t think I’d be serenaded at 7am by AI on the way to the airport #uberdriver #uber #uberride #nyctiktok #ai #uberstories #newyorkcitylife
♬ original sound – Elise Carlin | NYC
According to Distractify, New York native Elise Carlin begins her video while seated in the back of an Uber. The TikTok has garnered over 580,000 views. In the clip, Elise is heading to the airport while her Uber driver plays AI-generated songs that surprisingly include the passenger’s name. The computerized artist sings, “Rare design, oh Elise, you’re everything.”
New York Woman Unsettled by Uber Driver’s AI-Generated Music
Though Elise remains silent throughout the video, her facial expressions clearly show discomfort with the AI music, especially when it uses her name. She hasn’t shared any additional footage from this peculiar ride. Comments on her video reveal that many viewers were just as unnerved as she was, with one person comparing the experience to “An episode of Black Mirror,” referring to the well-known dystopian horror series.
While the music may seem more annoying than dangerous, numerous viewers expressed concern about the Uber driver’s motivation. Many are puzzled and uneasy about why someone would play such personalized AI music with a complete stranger in the back seat. Others worried about the effectiveness of the AI itself, with one comment noting, “Won’t be surprised if this is all we hear on the radio in ten years,” concerning the rising presence of AI in music production.
Despite the unnerving nature of the ride, Elise appeared calm and unshaken. She reached her destination without incident. Even with growing anxieties around AI, it seems this Uber driver simply wanted to experiment. Nevertheless, this odd experience might be a sign for the driver to consider returning to traditional playlists for future passengers.
