The Risk of Technological Progress
Technology has become an absolutely essential aspect to, and integral part of, our way of life. Technology, in its wider sense, has been around for as long as we have, and it has developed alongside us for millennia. When you look at the progress of the past century, you can see a snowball effect. This makes me wonder, will our vast intellect and powerful drive to improve our society become the cruelly ironic cause of our own demise?
As computers are rapidly increasing in capacity, many agree that we are inching our way towards what is often referred to as the "singularity"—the point in time where computers achieve a high enough level of sophistication to be able to improve on themselves. When you have a technological wonder that does not sleep, does not need breaks, has no interest in hobbies and entertainment, it's plain to see that if it does reach this point, this "singularity," then we will be out-matched sooner than we can say "Terminator."
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against technology—I run a tech blog, after all—I think it's safe to say I'm a bit of a tech freak. It just fascinates me whenever I stop and consider the potential effects our hurtling upwards the technological ladder.
Along the way we are certain to see some incredibly impressive video games, some great picture quality, and some really neat mobile technology. Hell, we might even be able to squeeze in some improved healthcare into it all.
Once we reach the point of AI, however... Will we be able to stop? Will we say "Okay, enough is enough" and call it quits? Or will we be seduced by the power a true artificial intelligence brings? No more household chores. Imagine that. Wouldn't that be something?
Let's just hope we don't end up in a huge war between man and machine, because, well... I hate to tell you, folks, but John Connor isn't real. Let's hope the Terminator won't be, either.
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