Today we were watching a 2013 Film called "Her."
It reminded me of the intricacies of humanity that cannot be replicated, even in a world where the border between man and machine grows increasingly indistinct.
"Her" is a sci-fi romance that shows artificial intelligence is so much more than a robotic voice on your phone – in the movie (eerily close to today's reality) it has advanced to the point where it has become almost indistinguishable from real life. It’s an entire entity that sounds, thinks, and reacts like a human being, recognizing its user’s needs and responding with all the clarity and capabilities of a real person. In fact, artificial intelligence has become so lifelike and compassionate in this futuristic landscape that humans are often unable to recognize this distinction, and end up falling in love with their operating systems. (Don't laugh...I can invision this happening)
However it points that humans and technology are intrinsically different. Complex emotions and individual relationships just aren’t possible for machines, yet they’re a crucial part of what makes us unique as humans. Even in a world where we rely so heavily on technology, where our computers are a daily part of our lives to the extent that we would struggle to live without them, a clear distinction can be made in order to avoid the over-reliance and codependence that we see the main character in the film falls victim. However, in my opinion, Her isn’t saying that computers are the problem. It doesn’t advocate a world without technology, nor does it suggest that machines are becoming too advanced. All it really proves is that we are different, and that unity between man and machine is entirely possible so long as we acknowledge this distinction and don’t fall victim to humanizing technology. The operating systems in Her aren’t causing the issue – in fact, it’s completely the opposite. The opening scenes of the film show that computers can be extremely valuable and worthwhile, as we watch the main character is using his operating system to scroll the news, view photos, and even complete his work quota. The only problem comes when we become too attached to technology – when we reach a stage where we cannot live without it. This is the world that we might want to take warning from. Humans are never going to reach the same levels of utility and optimization as machines, and machines will never replicate the precise individualism of the human condition.
So let's put our phones & computers away and keep human relationships a priority. Eat a meal with no distractions, visit with real conversation, and forget all that text messages. They can wait till later sometimes.
Now that you are reading this on Technology... Have A Wonderful Day! 😂
Nana
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