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The real reason behind our AI skepticism
Our video picks: Sci-fi's role in the future of AI, courtesy of Big Think
Did Will Smith in I, Robot do such a convincing job that we can't bear the thought of AI friends? Sci-fi author Ken MacLeod on the real reason for our AI skepticism, and how it could do us a favor.
Has science fiction changed the way we look at AI?
If sci-fi films like Frankenstein or i-Robot are anything to go by, you'd be forgiven for being skeptical about the future of AI. Both feature creations of technology that eventually rebel. Cult movies aside, AI could improve lives, from autonomous healthcare to robotic relationships. But how do we make it safe?
AI and the future of robotics
The 'rebellious robot' narrative has been around in film and TV for decades, says sci-fi author Ken MacLeod. As AI and robotics have advanced and evolved, so too have our fears. Speaking for Big Think, MacLeod dissects our subconscious AI skepticisms, how they might help us build safer robots and what to keep in mind as technology evolves.
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What do we do when AI becomes too powerful?
Our video picks: Freethink shows why it's crucial to govern AI
As AI amplifies everything humans have achieved, taking us further into the unknown, one question hangs in the balance.
How do we govern AI?
Since the dawn of time, human intelligence has led to crazy, cool and useful achievements. Now, as AI begins to play a critical role in our lives, Freethink is talking about why governance matters in the AI age.
Why is AI such a risk?
AI will bring immense benefits, from autonomous vehicles to robotic surgeons, but as with any groundbreaking tech, there are risks. In the wrong hands, AI could have fatal consequences. What if self-driving cars were hacked? Or if cybercriminals set off autonomous weapons? In this video, Freethink explores how we could use AI regulations to let this groundbreaking technology evolve safely.
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This Valentine’s Day – are you ready for AI love?
Spielberg, your dreams may have come true
Valentine's Day: a celebration of cherubs, chocolates and human contact. Until COVID-19 hit. As the global pandemic continues to rip up the dating rulebook, and with loneliness at an all-time high, is now the right time to consider if we can start to love machines?
Robot relationships become a real possibility this Valentine's
Tinder. Bumble. Grindr. The notion of digitized matchmaking is nothing new, but normally a love match is followed by dating in real life. However, with COVID-19 bringing feelings of isolation, detachment and loneliness, even digital dates don't satisfy our need for human interaction. The answer? AI-powered sex companions and robot relationships.
Back in 2018, Forbes described sex robots as "the most disruptive technology we didn't see coming," predicting robots will become familiar companions in the future. As people attempt to replace Netflix with new interactions, we may be on the cusp of a surge in AI, robot and virtual relationships.
The year of love and loneliness
Found in Kaspersky's Love and Loneliness campaign, 84 percent of people across Europe admitted they are lonelier during the pandemic than before. This detachment from human contact meant that nearly two in three 18 to 34-year-olds used technologies like video-calling, online dating and chatbots to fight feelings of loneliness. A clear sign that we're now more likely to seek companionship using tech in times of need.
Be still, my mechanical heart
A year has passed since COVID-19 entered most of our lives. During this time, we;ve become more confident and creative with the tech we use. And as feelings of loneliness intensify, it's fair to say that the idea of artificial comfort, company or closeness is no longer as bizarre as it may have seemed before the pandemic.
We're heading towards another Valentine's Day, and for those already feeling detached, technology could provide a (literal) release. Using AI and robots to enhance sex and relationships won't be for everyone, but for those who do explore this novel territory, it's a meaningful option. Just as using dating apps or going on a Zoom date was considered bizarre just a few years ago, this tech could be the future of love.
We need to keep this new tech secure. The past year has called for heightened education around email scams and other escalating cybercrime threats. It's knowledge that keeps people safe. And knowledge can only be shared if we're open to discussing these new technologies without stigma.
Can we learn to love robots? Watch more stories about AI, robots and love in the Imagine Beyond episode: Build Me Somebody To Love.