Sentience and the Evolution of AI in Sci-Fi and Reality
Science fiction has long been a prophetic mirror for our aspirations and anxieties about artificial intelligence. Iconic works like Blade Runner, Westworld, and Ex Machina have shaped our collective imagination about what AI could become—sentient, autonomous, murderous and deeply human-like. (Sorry Terminator) Yet, as these narratives unfold in their fictional universes, they also highlight the vast chasm between today’s AI technologies and the visionary possibilities they portray.
What’s Next? Bold Predictions for 2025
As we step into the future, transformative shifts are on the horizon. Here’s what 2025 could bring:
AGI Arrives: The dawn of Artificial General Intelligence is expected to redefine industries, signaling a pivotal moment in technological evolution. Ilya Sutskever believes Super Intelligence is imminent as well. We’ll see whether Sam Altman plays up or down AGI with OpenAI this year. Oh, did I mention guardrails?
A Revolution We Own
As the world is anew with Revolution, Assad’s regime toppled and South Korean protests, as Americans, we should look to what is in hand.
The New Lost Boys
Nope, this is not about the 1987 movie with Kiefer Sutherland. A unique and troubling archetype is emerging—let’s call them “The New Lost Boys.” These are young men, adrift and feeling left behind, navigating a complex mix of societal expectations and perceived failures. As they struggle to find love, success, and purpose, they are often left feeling marginalized, especially as they watch their female peers succeed in education, career, and social life. Many of these young men have turned to the internet to fill the void, from relying on porn as a proxy for intimacy to seeking solace in AI companions. Unlike the heartwarming yet cautionary tale of the 2014 movie Her starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlet Johansson, this reality feels bleaker, where AI-driven interactions only deepen isolation rather than addressing it.
Hollywood’s Fear of AI: From Paralysis to Progress
For the past few years, Hollywood’s response to the rapid rise of AI has been marked by anxiety, apprehension, and, quite frankly, paralysis. The entertainment industry, known for its embrace of visual effects and technological wizardry, suddenly found itself caught in a cold war with artificial intelligence—a tool that seemed both promising and menacing. Writers, actors, directors, and studios were at an impasse, unsure whether to welcome AI as a creative ally or banish it as an existential threat.
AI on the Edge: When Progress Outpaces Policy
If the idea is that, like unregulated social media, unregulated AI could cause similar or worse societal damage, then the connection becomes clearer. If social media—with its unchecked influence and well-documented harms—serves as a model for AI governance (or lack thereof), it’s easy to see why mr. tesla, often referred to as a shadow president of sorts, would champion Big Tech and social media operating without constraints.
Is Search Dead?
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has had an impressive trajectory, establishing itself as one of the first generative AI platforms to gain widespread recognition and use. The ambition to integrate search capabilities was both expected and strategic—a smart way to bridge the gap between insightful answers and the occasional hallucinations or misinformation that can plague AI responses.
To Serve Man(kind)
It’s not uncommon to see companies evolve, pivot, or refine their mission over time. In fact, it's expected. But when an AI company starts off with a grandiose, benevolent vision of “serving mankind” as a nonprofit, only to later shift gears and become a profit-driven entity, it raises a red flag or two. As someone who believes in the transformative power of AI for the greater good, it’s disheartening to see such changes.
Is AI Really Leveling the Playing Field for All?
Artificial Intelligence has been touted as a tool to level the playing field, but the reality is more complex. The original sin of AI’s development—scraping the internet for data—means it has inherited all the biases of that data, including those related to race and marginalized communities. AI systems are only as unbiased as the information they are trained on, and the internet is riddled with systemic inequalities, misinformation, and historical biases.
A Tale of 3 Bubbles
A recent CNN article, among many others recently suggests we are in a hype bubble with AI. Nvidia, the leading AI chip producer, reported a stellar second-quarter performance with sales rising 122% and profits doubling. Despite this, Nvidia's shares fell by 7%, which reflects more on Wall Street's expectations than the company's performance.
Embracing Synthetic Media for Smart Learning
In the evolving landscape of education, the integration of synthetic media is revolutionizing the way we learn. This isn't just about artificial learning—it's about smart learning. Synthetic media, powered by advanced AI technologies, offers dynamic, interactive, and highly personalized educational experiences that far surpass traditional methods.
Reflections on the Paramount Debacle
Paramount is the last gem of the fading studio system. As I looked back on my career in Hollywood, I had many interactions with Viacom, the studio, and let alone CBS. For CBS, it started in the basement of Television City where Pittard Sullivan installed one of the first Quantel Harry’s and we ran all promo for the network. Each broadcast designer did their shift of a couple months to work quickly and learn all about TV Promo.
Imagine Trump Kissing Putin --ar 16:9
That was the prompt that suspended my MidJourney account. Warning: Do not try this at home! Though it makes me mad, I was trying to make a point to see where the guardrails are in this election cycle, let alone moving forward. I am happy that MidJourney does have some protections in place. I was going to do more research on other platforms, but I still need to work. The one platform that evidently has no guardrails is Grok.
Cyndi Coon's Vision of AI and the Future at the El Sailon Series
The inaugural session featured Cyndi Coon, a prominent Applied Experiential Futurist, who shared her insights on the intersection of futurism, creativity, and AI, highlighting the crucial role humans play in shaping the future.
Ride the Rocket
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, many companies find themselves paralyzed by the endless debates on how to effectively implement AI.
Catchin’ Waves
In 1984, I was literally walking the halls of Art Center after I graduated when I noticed some of the first Mac Classics in some of the drawing rooms, for whatever reason. I thought “What wave was I missing here?”
Free Speech Movement vs. Creator Economy: Two Roads Diverging
The Free Speech Movement, born in the 1960s, champions the right to express ideas freely without government intervention. It prioritizes open discourse, exchange of diverse viewpoints, and protection of individual expression from censorship. It is now a road to ruin. On the other hand, the creator economy revolves around monetizing content created by individuals. Creators leverage platforms to reach audiences and generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and direct fan support.
The Balance Between Creativity and Productivity in the AI Era
Over the past year and a half, I have found that finding the balance between creativity and productivity has become a paramount concern for me, fellow designers, and organizations alike. As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, it's crucial to understand how to harness its potential without compromising the unique human touch that fuels creativity.
The Thaw Begins
Business transformation begins with the adoption of AI. Eighteen months into the lifecycle of GenAI, half of all workers in PwC’s Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2024 expect #GenAI to lead to higher salaries – an expectation that’s even higher among those who use GenAI daily. This optimism highlights a profound belief in the transformative power of AI to enhance productivity and drive economic growth.
When Crying Wolf
I have been a disruptor for over 20 years. It is not easy nor fun. To embrace new technologies then evangelize within the company you work for makes you the least popular person. “You are crazy.” “Get out of my business.” “Stay in your swim lane.” These are the backlash comments I have heard in my career. To challenge the norm makes you the solitary figure crying wolf in the wilderness.