This post is perfectly sequential to my last one previewing Big
Hero 6 and the ultimate idea of artificial intelligence. Though the film was a
science-fiction animation, the predictions are possible, as I summarize and
article by Bill Joy, Why the
Future Doesn't Need Us, and
his concerns. With the robot Baymax, I mentioned the ethical benefits and
concerns for this implication of technology, but as far as the character goes,
all ends well. Joy on the other hand collaborates with authors and speakers
that he respected about the increasing possibilities along with increasing
concerns beginning with the human race drifting into dependence.
GNR, represents the technologies of genetic engineering, nanotechnology and
robotics. The ethical stance with advancing technology is what concerns Joy.
Slowly machines are making basic decisions for us, and eventually, more
advanced ones. We may fall into a dependent and useless state where no human
effort is demanded and we rely on the technology. Once technology becomes too
advanced for the average rising generations to keep up, we will be uninformed
about making complex decisions concerning system maintenance, thus left up to
the machines, having ultimate control. Only the elite will be left to rule
these complex systems and authorize the fate of society. Overall, the future
has to offer many unintended consequences with more and more control in the
hands of technology and that according to Murphy's law, ”Anything that can
go wrong, will."
In one discussion Joy had with a fellow scientist, Danny, the idea
of merging computer with human body didn't seem to phase him. Danny pointed out
that the scenario of humans merging with robots would come gradually, like as I
compared, to the parable of frogs in boiling water. The way I picture it, with
increased technology, so do medical procedures, most involving foreign
substances v.s. organic. And that is where I believe the process of
human-robots begins. Some people already have internal pacemakers and assisted
living devices like artificial hearts, lungs and blood filtration. Who know how
soon we find how to do without, and simply replace our decision making brain
with indestructible, immortal robot machinery. The idea isn't new either such
as Star Trek's Borg characters that are humans fused with robotic machinery and
capable of more strength and destruction that we need. Also a resent film
suggests the realistic possibility with robotic body forming to the necessary
human components of intelligence and function. Robocop is a 2014 film that perfectly displays
Joy's talk of the possibilities the future hold and the dangerous consequences
as well. In the film, a cop gets critically injured and a car bomb and is
admitted into a massive reconstructive surgery, salvaging his head, respiratory
organs and one hand. More into the plot, RoboCop becomes a powerful danger as
his brain is tampered by his
scientists (an elite group as mentioned earlier) having ultimate overriding
abilities. They upgrade to
provide efficiency and alter emotions which are at first limited but then
completely suppressed to the point of blind obedience to his
"cop-programming". Once again, I believe this is a perfect imitation
of the future's attempt at a seemingly beneficial, even lifesaving intention,
but also recreated are the realistic misuses that could easily become out of
even the elites' control. Humans will be endangered when perfected technology
replaces the efficiency, strength and work.
As Joy theorized about the possibilities, he mentioned that for
technological advancement and replication, "They will not require large
facilities or rare raw materials. Knowledge alone will enable the use of
them." This ensures that nature won't be a limiting factor to fall back
for security. I think if technology becomes overpowering and consuming, it will
only escalate from there with nothing but upgrading and extermination of the
useless. Another film, this time mentioned by Joy, fictionally displays another
technologically advanced scenario where initially mapped for good and bound by
rules and protocols, also went rogue and turned on the human race. I, Robot had robots bound by its Three Laws of Robotics, ultimately
protecting mankind. This type of precautions and authority by the elite proved
a great protection to society, but all systems have potential to be hacked,
corrupted and taken advantage of. The consequences may prove irreversible and
unstoppable.
Technology has been a huge influence in my upbringing, with
particularly the Internet. The birth of the Internet wasn't too long before I
was born in 1995. With the years, came better modifications, making it user
friendly and convenient. I remember how foreign it seemed when in the third
grade, we had our computer class time where we were exposed to how to use the
Internet. Previously, even without Internet access or familiarity, just
computers alone served as a motivating and resourceful learning tool. My
childhood computer background consisted of interactive, cartoon computer games.
Most of the programs were Sesame Street themed, specific to alphabet, numbers,
design or coordination. One key detail I can recall in relation to the need for
computers now is how dependent we have become compared to when I was younger.
Then, it served merely as an entertainment option, with a few beneficial
educational factors, but didn't dominate my free time. The purpose for computers
progressed as I got older, with more challenging programs and eventually the
Internet in mid-elementary.
Computers are so integrated into our society, that owning one and
knowing how to use it proficiently, is the key to academic success. Computers
give simple access to being successful at the skills you wish to obtain. I have
a personally relevant example that has been well supported by
computer availability.
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