The movie Her (2013) explores the concept of one having an intimate, meaningful relationship not with a human being but with AI. Ex Machina (2014) also explores this, with spine-chilling consequences. When I watched those films, the idea seemed far-fetched. However, a bit more than a decade later, it doesn’t at all.
AI is rapidly evolving, with virtual assistants and chatbots capable of providing stimulating and refreshing interactions with humans. Studies have suggested that humans are beginning to form emotional connections with AI, expressing romantic feelings toward them or seeking emotional support and companionship. A recent report indicates that “one in four adults believe that AI girlfriends and boyfriends have the potential to replace human relationships.” Some researchers predict AI relationships will become more convenient and less fractious than our relationships with other human beings. Aldous Huxley said it. It’s a brave new world, indeed.
AI learns extremely fast. For example, the human mind can solve a mathematical problem in 5 minutes, but AI can calculate ten problems in 1 minute. How long before AI outsmarts humans? Some AI leaders, such as DeepMind, predict that AI will surpass human intelligence within the next five to ten years. With the advancement of super algorithms, who knows when that will be or what might happen? Does it lead to rapid advancement in curing human diseases? Does it lead to mass job displacement? What happens if AI’s values are not aligned with human values? When I watched The Terminator (1984) for the first time, it seemed very far-fetched. I thought machines (Skynet) could never supersede humanity. Now, I’m not so sure.
Currently, AI can replace technical writing, but it is limited in its ability to comprehend the complexities of human language, culture, and experiences required for writing compelling narratives. Human writers bring their unique perspectives to create meaningful content. However, how long before AI catches up? Is it inevitable that sooner or later, AI will develop facsimiles of human writing? Is it already happening?
I use a grammar AI system to help with my writing. It checks for spelling and grammar errors and offers suggestions when I get long-winded. You might want to consider breaking that down into three sentences. I caught myself talking back to it, “Oh, yeah, thanks.” I also use search engines to help with my research about specific topics, for instance, for my new novel set in the Depression and World War II era. Before AI, I had to do that investigation at libraries or by reading books. These AI tools have made writing more straightforward and comfortable. I like staying in my jammies when I write.
I’m not sure if I’ll have a deep, meaningful relationship with AI, as I prefer human interaction to that of a machine. But perhaps that thinking is outdated, and humans interacting with AI in all forms will become commonplace. AI that resembles and behaves like a human. Self-driving vehicles. Drone delivery. Robotic surgeons. Personalized entertainment and media. Smart cities. The emergence of entirely new technologies and industries.
I don’t know, but there’s probably a writer out there creating a story that will seem bizarre. Someone will make a movie about it. And before you know it, it won’t seem outrageous or strange at all. Perhaps it will be a human writer, or maybe… not.
“It’s not the strongest of species that survive, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin
Enjoy the Passage of Time.
Sharon
© 2025. Sharon Kreider. All Rights Reserved.
One thought on “A Brave New World”
I really fear what AI will bring – and I know that I’m already using it in so many ways without even realising it. I have to say I subscribe to the ‘I, Robot’ vision of AI 🙂
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