Many people today are extremely reliant on the capabilities of intelligent machines. Through surfing the web and providing speedy communication across a vast amount of civilians, new technology through computing devices has changed the world as we know it. Many jobs require the use of a computer, and now, with a computer in most households, the escape from technology in the workplace never quite seems attainable.
Even some jobs that seem to be irreplaceable, such as assistants at airports or even personal therapists, could have their position in society at stake. In today’s technologically-advanced society, machines have been a blessing through their astonishing capabilities, yes, but are now posing as a burden to mankind’s superior position through their imitation of complex intellectual thoughts.
Most citizens today have some sort of cellular device equipped with your average multi-pixel camera or a bright screen display, but some have extremely developed phones, such as the enticing iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 features an aluminum and glass body that is 20 percent lighter and 18 percent thinner than the iPhone 4S. In addition, the new, larger screen exposes Apple’s new retina display with an 1136 by 640 resolution and reigns as the first caseless phone ever. Because of the durable aluminum on the phone’s back and the strong Gorilla Glass screen, Apple isn’t even producing cases for this phone. And, as if the structure and appearance of the phone were not enough, the phone is equipped with three microphones, a noise-cancelling earpiece and a battery life of approximately 225 hours.
Technology of this stature is efficient and enticing, but many people are relying too highly on their devices and are beginning to forget about the more simple pleasures of life. Citizens are neglecting opportunities to get out, get lost and get in touch with the tangible world. Cellular devices jeopardize much of our time and face-to-face interaction, and instead, time is consumed through web surfing. The Internet has advanced the means of communication between people, but could we have predicted it would evolve to human-to-robot interaction?
Joseph Weizenbaum, a graduate from MIT, created Eliza, a computer program designed for psychotherapy that would carry on a conversation with whoever questioned it. At first, Eliza seemed like a blessing to doctors because it was an alternative and seemingly productive vessel for patients seeking one-on-one therapy.
However, doctors became alarmed when users devoted timeless hours projecting their feelings to it and desired to be alone with Eliza. The creator of Eliza pulled the plug on his own creation, resulting in the transformation of his research and career into fighting against artificial intelligence. Weizenbaum himself said, “The machine is a lie – it does not understand.”
The mere thought that human company could be replaced with a robot’s false understanding of emotions shows how threatening machines can be to even the most seemingly secure positions held by humans. Technology is swiftly progressing, and advocates have not taken into account the consequences of advancement. Many blessings result from new intelligence, such as efficient ways of gaining information and knowledge, but the concern with their ability to take the jobs of capable citizens and manipulate the human psyche show that the burdens might far outweigh the blessings.
