AI as Portrayed in Fiction

The AI depicted in science fiction is purely fictional! It often serves a role similar to other eerie, almost-human characters—demons, clones, demigods, aliens, spirits, talking animals, and so forth—that challenge our understanding of humanity. It should come as no shock that the malevolent, human-like AI from these stories is not a reality.

Regrettably, the notion of a murderous HAL 9000 piloting your spaceship is far from feasible.

When science fiction fails to stay ahead of technological advancements, it risks being labeled simply as "fiction." So, let's clarify: will every portrayal of AI in science fiction cease to exist? No, the genre will continue to explore future possibilities.

I tend to be skeptical about discussions surrounding terms like "machine intelligence," "sentience," "consciousness," and "the singularity" without clear definitions. It’s counterproductive to engage in vague discussions that lead nowhere, yet this is often the case.

Why would anyone aspire to create artificial beings with human-like emotions and flaws? This ambition feels more like a narrative device than a genuine goal. If the aim is to develop machines that are beneficial to humanity, why incorporate the less admirable traits of human nature? If the desire is simply to reproduce humans, a casual conversation over a drink would suffice to explain the process.

While there are valid concerns surrounding AI, the fears stemming from its uncanny resemblance to humanity are often distractions. For a deeper dive into this topic, I have written a separate blog post.

AI in Practical Applications

In the tech industry, "AI" refers to a specific methodology of converting data into code. When someone automates a task using data patterns rather than direct answers, they are likely utilizing machine learning. Although some companies may exaggerate their capabilities, it's essential to recognize that this version of AI has already surpassed the boundaries of science fiction.

Even before the widespread adoption of AI applications, researchers referred to their work as AI, fully aware that what they were developing wouldn’t meet the standards of science fiction enthusiasts or neuroscience experts. It’s primarily advanced mathematics, and yes, that math is immensely practical! It drives a myriad of applications that enhance our daily lives, from smartphones to smart homes, often without recognition.

Every time I observe a Turing test failure, it reveals more about the human evaluator than the machine itself.

Moreover, this same mathematical foundation is instrumental in processing audiovisual data, which can easily mislead those who mistake a machine for a sentient being. It’s surprising how the realms of magic and the Turing test can coexist.

I should also point out that two other interpretations of AI exist—one more aligned with academia and the other with industry. If you're curious about the distinctions, I delve into this in my piece, "Why Businesses Fail At AI."

Critical Questions to Ponder

“Will AI entirely depart from science fiction and begin to reshape our world?” The answer is inherently tautological. One can simply refer to a reasonable definition of science fiction to conclude that applied AI has diverged significantly from its fictional counterpart in recent times.

The real controversy lies in two groups talking at cross-purposes without defining their terminology. Instead, let’s extract some thought-provoking questions from this discussion:

• Will the rise of practical AI diminish the allure of science fiction's AI? It's conceivable that the term could become too mundane to inspire intrigue. Will future writers need to seek out different entities to evoke fear? My guess is no; if unsettling dolls can capture the imagination, anything is fair game.
• Did developers of practical AI solutions act wisely by leveraging science fiction hype for funding and attention? How might technological advancement have differed if we had adhered to more technical terms instead of the eye-catching labels?
• Should we allow the public to conflate practical AI with its sci-fi counterpart, or is there a pressing need for education on their differences? If you want to explore why this conflation is problematic, check out my blog post titled “Forget the Robots, Here’s How AI Will Get You.”

I look forward to hearing your insights as you reflect on these questions—join the discussion!

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