B19: i(m)GOD?

In iGOD by Nicholas Carr, the future of technology is discussed. I never knew that from the beginning, Google had planned on developing Artificial Intelligence and ways to indefinitely combine man and machine. I am opposed to this. Although it could equalize the playing field, I am hesitant to accept and provide permission for implementing technology, like those discussed in this article, into myself because of a podcast I heard. They discussed how human’s natural memory will decline because of the reliance on AI’s and lack of need to remember because of the purpose of an AI. The angle of the story is how AI’s and new technology will change our lives. Soon enough, everyone could be using some form of AI to complete daily tasks. Carr provides a lot of different prickles that make this idea feel concrete in an otherwise unbelieving society. The author makes it relevant and engaging in many ways. For one, I don’t know anyone that does not use Google at least once a year. Personally, I use it at least twenty times a day. Also, although the idea of AI’s may not be well known and talked about in society, it has been practical for many years. I thought the idea that the Chess Game Con and Google both got information from people. When we type or click or surf the web, it does not cross our minds that every move we make it tracked. I knew that Facebook would advertise specifically to each user using algorithms and data based on the user’s apparent political preferences, interests, and more. It is a little unnerving when you are looking at a dress or good from amazon and when you log into Facebook the exact same item shows up as an ad. I wonder if customization will be a variable in AI’s, it will represent you, but I wonder if you would be able to preset settings. The issue with these algorithms and adaptability of the internet to fit the user is that it puts the user into a bubble. They will only receive things they like and will be ignorant to the rest of what is out there. By becoming more connected, I think society will stray from nature and being sociable humans. It is exciting though to have things like smart houses with settings and signals customized to each individual member. This article was a little lengthy, but I still enjoyed the information, especially the introduction about Google, which included context I never knew about. 

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