The Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

*Originally published on 9/21/09



I've seen several Science Channel documentaries talking about how they're trying to make computers faster and smarter with an even greater impact on our day to day life. Having seen my fair share of movies and read my fair share of books (both regular and comic), I can't help but wonder if this is such a good idea.

Artificial intelligence always turns on us, always. Brainiac, Hal, Skynet, you'd be hard pressed to find a sentient robot that didn't deem human life as expendable.

While that is fiction, a lot of times, accomplishing that level of technology seems to be the goal. Robots are becoming a bigger part of some cultures and militaries are even putting them to use. When the goals mirror technology that turned on us, I can't help but think that it's a bad idea.

Some argue that technology already plays too big a part in our life, kids have to be told to go outside rather than stay in and watch television or play video games. The Internet has a grip on many with addictive sites like Twitter or Facebook, not to mention the irresistible power of World of Warcraft.

Years ago, a computer actually managed to beat a Russian master at chess. Somehow, this hasn't slowed the advance of technology. Scientists cite that robots will soon be able to be built faster, stronger, and smarter than humans. Do they really not see this plan backfiring? Because I do, I see it backfiring hard.

With their cold, emotionless robot brains, they would soon come to the conclusion that we are the problem. Their superior intellects would deem us inferior creatures. Even precautionary measures like the three laws or something venerable like the Constitution could be manipulated to justify their mad goals.

I'm not against scientific advancement, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Sooner or later a technology will be developed that will backfire immensely and cause the end of everything. Of course, the technology will be built with the best of intentions, but we all know where the road paved with good intentions leads us don't we?

I'm not even exaggerating when I say the eventual backfire will be the end of everything. With technology holding us ever tighter in it's grip, the possibility becomes more and more likely with each passing year.

We need to be careful when it comes to advancing technology. People idealize new gadgets and more convenience, but there is a strong chance that it would snowball out of our control very quickly. Scientists need to think long and hard about whether or not creating a sentient machine is actually a good idea, because I really doubt it.