JonRappoport January 14 2014
Research on simulating the human brain is marching forward. Corporations are attempting to build devices that talk to their users in a “realistic” fashion.
These computers would continuously update profiles of their owners, seeking to read their emotional states and preferences and respond to them.
The old phrase, “the machine age,” takes on new meaning. Sellers are betting that consumers want machines that understand them. This bet has a corollary: human to human interaction is just too complicated and unpredictable.
Instead, machines can be programmed to reflect their users. Narcissism wins.
“I’m your machine. I’m not here to criticize you or challenge you. I’m here to be like you and serve your needs. I’m here to talk to you in ways you understand and appreciate.”
This is a far cry from the robotic telephone operator who puts you on hold for 20 minutes. This is friendship. This is happiness.
There’s one major stumbling block.. The emotional range of an alive and alert human is too wide, too subtle, and too varied to embed in a machine that is supposed to stand in as a friend and companion.
The response to that problem is: reduce the range of the human user.
This campaign has been underway for some time. Watch movies, watch television shows and video games, listen to popular music, listen to politicians. It’s all about reduction. Simplification. Lowest common denominators.
Observe the slogans of social movements. If you have the stomach for it, go into a public school and watching what teachers are doing to your children.
Continue reading →