While watching National Geographic’s ” Year One Million” a television show about a vastly different future, the subject of Artificial Intelligence, or A.I. were the focus of the show. The series discusses how in the far, far future, we may be able to essentially resurrect a loved one through importing their every memory into an identical A.I. Though they may not be “human”, the A.I. will act as if nothing had happened and that everything was back to normal. The idea is that you really never lose a loved one when you can import their memories into a twin A.I.
Though this idea may seem ideal to some, is it? Is it really ethical to import someone’s memories into a twin A.I. who is smarter than the human version? In my opinion, this can become unethical if taken to far. To replace an actual human with an A.I., will not replace the actual person because you will always remember what really happened. Also highlighted in the documentary is about how “resurrected” A.I.’s will be discriminated against by others who disagree. This is bound to happen when newer ideas or something that flips one’s world perspective around. Although I do not agree with discrimination, I do think that it would kind of freak me out to see a walking, talking robot, act like my mother. However, I also think that I believe that it is weird because I do not live in a time where A.I. live among us. This is something to definitely remember. Just because it is weird now, doesn’t mean it won’t be the new norm in 50 years.
For me, this is more about the mental well-being of the people that are making the hard decision to transfer one’s memories into an A.I. How can this decision be made rationally when emotions are put into play? When a loved one dies, we enter a vulnerable stage in our life where we wish to turn back time to spend every second more with them. Furthermore, in this scenario, who are we to play God (Or if you don’t believe in God, a higher power, such as nature)? In nature, there is always a balance. For example, when a Salmon reaches it’s end of spawn, it breaks down essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that then becomes available to streamside vegetation like trees. With death, comes life. I feel that toying with that balance, will throw everything off.
Lastly, allowing an A.I. to replace a human will allow A.I.’s to slowly become human. Aware. This will cause an even greater rupture in our society. The reason being is because A.I.’s will eventually start protesting for the same rights that humans have. This will cause a domino effect if we allow A.I.’s to become a part or replace humans.
Do you agree? What do you think about humans having the capabilities of A.I.’s slowly become human by allowing them to take our place after loved ones pass? Let me know in the comments! Lets have a discussion.
Into the Wild with Tech 