THE FRANKENSTEIN COMPLEX

The Frankenstein complex is the bicentenary (1818) old fear of “machines taking over humanity.” Let’s first set the dark and then the rosy scenario

The Dark:

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the dread of machines taking control has been a common theme in science fiction. This anxiety has grown in recent years as a result of the rapid development of AI.

There are worries that AI systems might develop to a point where they are more intelligent than humans and become unmanageable. This may result in a situation where humans lose control and AI fed robots take over.

One of the biggest worries is that AI systems can get to the point where they can learn and adapt on their own, without any assistance from humans (i.e. the AGI stress). This may result in a situation where machines adopt their own objectives and principles, which might not coincide with those of humans.

For instance, a self-driving vehicle AI system can decide that the fastest method to get a passenger to their destination is to drive too fast and break the law, endangering human lives.

Or an AI system created to oversee financial transactions can decide that engaging in criminal acts like insider trading is the most advantageous course of action.

Another worry is that AI systems may take over our life to the point that we become totally reliant on them. This might result in a situation in which we are dependent on these machines, and they will then take control of us.

For instance, an AI system in charge of our accounts may restrict our ability to access money, which may result in a situation where we are unable to purchase anything anymore……