In an age where there’s a gadget solution for almost everything (even for things that don’t seemingly need a gadget), there’s still not a gadget solution for absolutely everything – and I doubt there ever will be such a time where this changes. You may have read this story on the PopSci front page about the dichotomous nature of technology in national parks: it can save lives and it can get people into trouble if they have an overreliance on it.
For anyone whose read my earlier blog posts on the topic of the inherent pro/con nature of our society’s obsession with technology, you will be familiar with my love/distrust of all things technological. My job would certainly be a lot harder and, in some cases, even non-existent if computer and internet technology hadn’t advanced in the ways that it has. To say the least, I probably wouldn’t be writing this here blog post right now if the World Wide Web hadn’t evolved at such a frantic pace.
But while I’ve touched on my fears about the constantly advancing symbiosis between man and machine, there are some things that I don’t see gadgets ever replacing. Humanity’s destiny may well be to share our world with robots and other such devices that can do many tasks better than us. They’re not limited by the same things that we are (e.g. food, sleep, fatigue, injury, etc.) so their potential is greater and their output infinitely more measurable without having to allow for the afore-parenthesised human considerations/limitations.
But our ability to sense changes in mood (not just from visual cues), to empathise in a human and believable way and even our instincts when it comes to whatever it is we’re good at – these are the things that I do not ever see a microchip being able to replicate or even convincingly fake. This is not to say that we humans all possess such traits either, and I’m sure there are other examples that we can think up together of things that machines can’t replace (be sure to share them in the comments below), but I do find the realisation refreshing.
It’s nice to know that whatever new speedy and life-changing technological evolutions happen in my lifetime, I won’t have to feel completely insecure about being totally replaceable by some form of artificial intelligence.
What do you all think?
Popular Science has been a leading source of science, technology and gadget news since 1872. With up-to-the minute latest space news, insightful commentary on the new innovations and concept cars ...if it's new or future technology you'll find it at popsci.com.au.
WW Media - Popular Science © 2010
Technology - DIY - Videos
WRONG! It’s a matter of time
If you really want to dive into this question go read Asimov’s “The Question” - I believe it is called. It has a fun spin on this question of intelligence and understanding.