"AI" … of Human-kind!

"Which Came First, The Chicken Or The Egg?"

Several years ago, you may recall a publication describing our growing dependency upon machines, devices, and "AI." On several occasions, I've attempted to bring awareness to this phenomenon of artificial intelligence's abilities in creating and / or re-creating itself … over and over again. What once was a 'science-fiction' story has been brought to bear, in living color, a scientific fact.

The article, "Device Machine Dependent," has described instances and descriptions where robots or robotics have been designed to emulate the actions, abilities, and appearance (s) of mankind … "Human-Like"; "The Image of Its' Creator!"

How many times have you been in your car and engaged in a shouting match or argumentative interaction with your 'GPS' or "onboard interface?" Aw, c'mon now … haven't you gotten angry and screamed at the device when the voice behind it gives you screwed up or wrong directions? Sure you have.

Selene Yeager, a contributing author, spoke of a doctoral student at Stanford University, who specializes in Human-Technology-Interaction.

"We (humans) get confused and angry because we don't know what the 'GPS' is" thinking, "David Miller says.

This author (yours truly), however, is and has been guilty of that particular type of behavior. I can remember keying in a direction (when that wasn't satisfactory, I tried to engage the voice command option), the damned thing told me; directed me to take a highway and exit … I followed suit. When I realized the directions where totally wrong – the accursed voice put us on "The Highway To Hell!"

We traveled sixty miles outside and away from our planned "Pocono Mountain" destination.

Well, I'm here to tell you, I momentarily (Oh, like so many) became insane and started screaming at the voice inside of the 'GPS system.' Miller went on to say, "In the future, when your GPS gives you directions, it may give you a rationale, so that you will have a better two-way relationship."

… Yeah, right. I'm happy when and if the thing gets me to my unfamiliar destination (s) … via the correct route! I don't mean to be to hard on the device … it's a pretty good little tool when it works as expected.

"A Bite Of The Apple" addressed the 'IT' community on big issues regarding Apple's stance on "covert and proprietary practices" in the world of technology; hardware and software – particularly its hardware products. Apple's 'IT' decision makers espouses an ergonomic flaw which reveals a preference, They've said "Apple-like" form over function, ie, the iMAC connectors on the rear of their machines are designed and / or decided by anal retention.

Their 'IT' management team describes one possible meaning of "Anal Retention." It's a point on a curve at which the curvature changes from convex to concave or vice-versa. It can also be called a "Flex Point" or "Point of Inflection." Apple management says its proprietary devices are putting more effect into business user marketing. Apples' devices are making their way into the enterprise arena because 'IT' managers, not users, like them.

The 'end-user' report stresses the fact, suggesting the product (s) being as good and excellent on ease of use, design, and reliability. Does anyone recall the definition of cloning?

Many of us have PC's in our homes today. And there are many others who feel they are, and believe they are a step ahead while utilizing home-robots like "Alexa" or IBM'S "Watson" and a myriad of cloned devices that clean, monitor, and coordinate their daily lives or lifestyles.

Where's your cell phone?

It used to be the desk-top computer that was the central 'Internet' connection. Then it was the 'Laptop.' The "Tablet" continues to be popular these days, but the "Smart-Phone" outshines them all. All one has to do is simply look around … Look and see how many people are walking, running, riding, and flying … dependent upon those continually unrelinquishing devices to sustain them in their existence, and their very lives on this planet.

Not long ago, a vicious computer virus wrestled control from some 400,00 computers across more than 160 countries in one of the worst international cyber attacks and computer infections.

The virus blocked all access to programs, files, mainframes, and networks unless the computer's owner (s) paid a ransom. The elicitable funds could only be paid via "Bitcoin."

Bitcoin is online currency that is almost impossible to trace. The Bitcoin currency is traded for the purchase of a "ransom key." Often, victims have paid the money only to not get the key to unlock their computers (or) systems, losing both their money and their data.

This incident should serve as a major wake-up call to users with the much encouraged "must-do" procedure (s) on PCs and Internet devices in their care or usage and the prevention of viruses, botnets, web-crawlers, malware, worms, etc.

I certainly agree with author, Doug Shadel, in suggesting that users / owners regularly backup your important files to an external drive or remote storage service; have a pop-up blocker running on your web browser at all times; instantly leave websites you've been routed to without your consent; use a reputable antivirus program – keeping it updated at all times; make sure your software (and anti-virus software) is up to date; don't click on links or open attachments from email addresses you don't know; and buy only legitimate software – and register it.

Do you remember the scene in the movie "Star Wars," where the bar-tender shouts at 'Luke Skywalker' to get his droids out of his establishment?

That scene is a result of human prejudices against machines or robot-kind. Detroit, Michigan's automobile industry and workforce is all but totally manned by robots (or robotics). Robots are doing major operations on humans and animals alike. Robots are preparing foods, packing and shipping items, driving cars, and diagnosing human ailments and diseases. Robots are answering telephones and redirecting calls. Robots are calling you on your telephones, reminding you of past due bills, appointments, prescription pick-ups, and making attempts at selling you goods and other services. Robots are building bridges, buildings, and homes. Robots are doing just about anything and everything a human-being or animal can and has been doing. Ask yourself … how many jobs have been lost and are being lost to robots?

"Many companies are using sentiment analysis to gauge the mood (s) on social networks and / or the web … but getting insight takes new tactics and skills," said Doug Henschen of 'Techweb.'

"It definitely takes new tactics and skill-sets in order to acquire a position in the new world of IT, BI, Communications, and Analytics." This conclusion is postulated via the published article, "Destruction and Creation – A New Jobs Hyperbole." No one can deny the massive and major changes that have occurred in the 'New World Economy' of this century. What's going to happen in the centuries to come – will we be "Star-Trek-Like?" How about a world and future like that of "Logan's Run?" Will robots become the new judges, lawyers, congressional appointees, senators, or president? Those of us who are aware, interested, and / or motivated in or toward the continuation of mankind's reign over machines, must become the master of both sides of IT / BI.

AI: Artificial Intelligence … is in contrast to the natural (Human / Animal-like) intelligence … the ability of a computer or robot doing what is normally or commonly done by humans or animals – with intelligence or intelligent abilities .. .The ability to think.

How long will it be before humans (man-kind) are completely out-thought by "AI" – becoming completely and utterly our replacements as opposed to being our once-upon-a-time servants?

"How Long? Not Long!"

Now, doesn't this argument make you wonder …

"AI" … of Human-kind?

"Which Came First, The Chicken Or The Egg?"

Til Next Time …

'G'