Today, nearly everyone carries a smartphone—a powerful mini-computer that has become essential for organizing and managing our lives. This remarkable device is already incredibly smart, with its capabilities expanding exponentially.
For now, humans remain in control, albeit sometimes tenuously. Does anybody fully understand and use all the amazing capabilities of this “gadget”? I doubt it. The day is rapidly approaching when a smartphone’s proficiency will surpass our own.
The once-master may soon become dependent on, even subservient to, what was once merely a tool—and may come to fear it. In criminal investigations, smartphones have already turned against their owners, providing evidence of their misdeeds.
Are we, perhaps, creating a monster that will one day enslave and control us? Aren’t we foolishly racing towards a future reminiscent of Planet of the Apes? I’m inclined to believe that what we dismiss as fiction might be closer to reality than you think.
Some might scoff, but robots are becoming too numerous and too intelligent to be fully trusted. They already operate quietly in many spheres, making significant decisions without human intervention.
Take the cars of the future, for example. These vehicles are quickly becoming fully autonomous, capable of making life-or-death decisions. But should you always trust your machine? Some people think not.
And what if some malicious genius manages to corrupt your loyal butler, turning it against you? Fiction? I don’t think so. It seems not only possible but increasingly likely, given the sophisticated capabilities of today’s hackers.
To sum it up, whatever we create must be controlled—and, if necessary, neutralized. Unchecked power, whether in the hands of men or machines, is not just dangerous—It is foolish.
Alain