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It’s been said that technology first appearing in a Star-Trek TV show is gradually being made a reality. What was once science fiction is becoming real.

I think the same may be to blame for what I consider an AI threat/crisis. Where did this notion for a computer that answers everything for us originate? Well, just look at the cartoons and other colorful TV shows I watched in my youth. What do the heroes do when they don’t know their next step?…they consult some “super” computer for a ridiculous solution.

[How many times does the “brilliant” Batman slight Robin and turn to the Batcomputer for help? Even Superman and Wonder Woman suggest using a supercomputer in the animated Super Friends and in the 70s Wonder Woman TV show, respectively.]

Boom.

AI is born and gradually running amok, because, even in an “immature” cartoon, humans (and superhumans alike) forfeit use of their own minds to let a machine do the task.

[In ancient-Greek-myth-and-legend terms, isn’t that the sort of thing that would eventually upset the gods?…not using your head?…even if creating the object that “does the thinking” seems like an intelligent effort. Wasn’t Odysseus heralded for using his head?…while Sisyphus was punished eternally for how he used his to “cheat.”]

What was it my old teachers used to say about calculators?

Exactly.

Now, if only I could explain another critical crisis this world is facing. It involves the perpetual pressure and temptation to have something you currently do not. It comes in music (particularly rap and hip-hop music) that speaks of riches and ease of dealing with women and in ads for phones/phone plans and insurance which always seems to have something you currently do not have yet should want. Some would say this is just how an economy is maintained, and, to those fools, I say I will beat you senseless (if you aren’t already).