Saturday, April 11, 2015

Module 12: More on Artificial Intelligence

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."

Image result for robocop 2014In 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. 

Image result for i robotAs 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. 

No comments:

Post a Comment