In the 1978 film "Superman," the 3-hour TV version includes a scene where Superman (Kal-El) communicates with his father, Jor-El, through advanced Kryptonian technology. This communication takes place through a crystal console, allowing Superman to interact with a pre-recorded holographic image of his father, who imparts wisdom, guidance, and information about his heritage.
Reflecting on this dialogue and connecting it to AI development nowadays, several themes and messages emerge:
Preservation of Knowledge: Just as Jor-El's wisdom is preserved and made accessible to Superman, AI and machine learning models are being used to store and analyze vast amounts of information. This enables future generations to access and learn from accumulated human knowledge.
Human-AI Interaction: The interaction between Superman and the holographic Jor-El resembles how humans interact with AI systems today. Whether it's virtual assistants, chatbots, or more complex AI models, the goal is to create a seamless and human-like interaction.
Ethical Considerations: Jor-El's guidance to Superman often revolves around moral and ethical principles. This can be related to the ongoing discussions about ethics in AI, such as bias, fairness, and the responsible use of technology.
Potential and Responsibility: Jor-El emphasizes Superman's unique abilities and the responsibility that comes with them. Similarly, AI has enormous potential to transform various aspects of life, but it also comes with a responsibility to use this power wisely and for the greater good.
Connection and Isolation: While the technology allows Superman to connect with his past and heritage, it's also a reminder of his isolation as the last son of Krypton. In the context of AI, technology can both connect us and isolate us, depending on how it's used.
The message for us from this movie scene might be a reminder of the dual nature of technology. It has the power to preserve and convey wisdom across generations, enhance human capabilities, and foster connections. However, it also carries responsibilities and potential risks. The scene encourages us to approach technological advancements, including AI, with mindfulness, ethics, and a sense of purpose, recognizing both its potential and its limitations.