Real AI changed the way I see fictional AI
AI, androids,AI, androids, supercomputers, we’ve all seen them in fiction.
In spy and superhero movies with their AI assistants, or in video gameswith their super robots.
A robot/android discovering the world, learning to be human, and developing consciousness, or facing discrimination within society—are two common tropes in fiction.
Detroit: Become Human (DBH) and The Zeta Project are two examples I recall watching (yes, I watched the gameplay). And even though I haven't seen them myself, I know that I, Robot, Blade Runner, and Astro Boy share similar premises.
I used to understand the allegory being presented, but now I sympathize with the arguments made by villains who would say things like, "You don't feel real emotions!" or "You'll never be able to trully appreciate art!" or "You'll never be capable of creating real art!" No matter how hard they try, artificial intelligence will never truly replicate human emotions or give art genuine meaning.
The "innocent robot" trope is often used to critique prejudice and even racism, but now I feel that the hatred is completely justified. I feel disappointed when I come across "art" generated by Midjourney, I criticize businesses that use ads/flyers/menus generated by ChatGPT, and I avoid using any programs that rely on AI. So, I think I’d be one of those people calling androids "clankers" or "tin cans" and isolating them from human society.
I remember someone mentioning that one of the “racist” characters in DBH was born around this decade, and honestly, I can see his logic. I, too, would hate androids if I had watched my world deteriorate because of the technological advancements used to create them.
The other day, I was reading a Spider-Man fanfic where he uses his AI, Karen. Before, I just accepted it—"Of course she’s so perfect and advanced, she’s a Tony Stark creation!", but now, with a more critical eye, I find myself wondering, "How did they train this AI?" or "How many data centers does Tony Stark have?" and things like that.
We used to have all these incredible ideas about the future and the kind of technology we’d have, but now that the future is here, we realize we didn't know the price that had to be paid.
I can't look at all those stories the same way anymore. It’s like the curtain’s been pulled back, you know?
Thanks for reading!
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