The AI fear syndrome is overblown

FEAR about the ill effects of AI on society is not new. In 1968, Stanley Kubrick directed the film 2001: A Space Odyssey based on the ideas of Arthur C Clarke, the brilliant futurist and science fiction writer who also conceived of the simultaneous communications satellite in use today.

The film begins with a sequence about the dawn of man where prehistoric humans discover a mysterious black monolith which triggers a big leap in human cognitive abilities. Then, in a new era, the Discovery One spacecraft is on its way to planet Jupiter with scientists in hibernation to survive the long trip. During this time the ship is controlled by HAL 9000 (Heuristically Programmed Algorithmic Computer), an advanced AI computer system.

HAL can speak, recognise faces, read lips and has other advanced capabilities. It is responsible for all the ship’s functions and communications. When HAL begins to malfunction, Bowman, one of three scientists on board who is awake, decides to disconnect HAL’s high function to prevent further errors. HAL sees that as a threat to the mission and begins to eliminate the crew members by cutting off their life support functions.