Revisiting my essay, 'BLACK MIRROR: A LOOK INTO MEMORY’S DARKEST CHAMBERS, HOW TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE-FICTION ARE MERGING' (2017)
Introduction
I've been intrigued by artificial intelligence (AI), ever since the early 2010s when Black Mirror (2011) and Her (2013) entered the mainstream. I'd been curious about it before that, but it never seemed as real as those first few years following 2010.
I grew up on "AI" chatbots. I held frequent conversations with SmarterChild during my elementary and middle school years. These years are formative, but a lot of the time you don't even understand what you're looking at or conversing with. At the time, it was just simple fun.
Revisiting Black Mirror
With all of the recent conversations about AI and ChatGPT, I have rewatched Black Mirror multiple times, but it's not like Black Mirror was the first show to reference how AI can deeply influence our lives. I mean, look further back at classic science fiction novels and we can clearly see that's not the case.
Some of my favorites come to mind: The Altered Ego (1954), a science fiction novel set in a future where an unnamed protagonist grapples with the boundaries of identity and the ethical implications of a revolutionary device that can manipulate human consciousness, or To Live Again (1969), a poignant novel that explores the profound consequences and ethical complexities when a scientific breakthrough allows individuals to experience life through the memories and consciousness of deceased individuals. And even Software (1982), a riveting sci-fi novel that follows the gripping tale of a groundbreaking self-aware computer program and the intense power struggles it triggers within a futuristic society.
These novels were written well before I was born, and yet it seems like the technology that they speak of is only truly coming to fruition now, in 2023, when I'm almost 30 years old. I grew up with this technology, well, at least as a preconception.
With AI entering the mainstream again, this time not as a concept but as a tangible technology, I can't help but think back to a paper leading up to my senior thesis, 'BLACK MIRROR: A LOOK INTO MEMORY’S DARKEST CHAMBERS, HOW TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE-FICTION ARE MERGING' (2017).
My paper explored the question, "How does Black Mirror address memory through its use of technological advancement?" for a class called Media, Memory, History, where we examined the social construction of memories, their transgenerational transmission, and their representation in a variety of media that include television, magazines, film, music, monuments, and memorials. This class was taught at the University of San Francisco by one of my favorite professors Susana Kaiser , who had a profound impact on my understanding of memory and how media shapes what we remember and believe.
So, in the rest of this article, I plan to take a look back at my paper, bringing back some of the topics I studied that may not have been technologically feasible at the time, but certainly are only (really) a few short years later.
The Entire History of You (2011)
The Entire History of You is an episode from the acclaimed television series Black Mirror. Set in a not-too-distant future, it revolves around a society where people have implants called "grains" that record every moment of their lives, allowing them to relive and analyze their memories at any time.
The story follows the life of Liam, a man consumed by his suspicions about his wife, Ffion. After attending a social gathering where he meets an old friend named Jonas, Liam becomes increasingly convinced that Ffion may be having an affair with him. Driven by jealousy and a sense of betrayal, Liam obsessively replays and scrutinizes his memories, desperately searching for any sign of infidelity.
As his paranoia intensifies, Liam becomes detached from reality, straining his relationship with Ffion and jeopardizing his own mental well-being. The ability to rewatch memories takes a toll on him, blurring the boundaries between past and present, and amplifying his anxieties.
In his quest for the truth, Liam confronts Ffion and demands answers. The confrontation forces them to confront the fragility of trust and the consequences of constantly reliving past experiences. The episode explores themes of privacy, jealousy, and the implications of a world where memories can be scrutinized and manipulated.
The Entire History of You presents a cautionary tale, showcasing the dark side of an advanced technology that promises to enhance human experiences but ultimately erodes the fabric of personal relationships and subjective truths. It raises thought-provoking questions about the impact of a world where memories are no longer private and the consequences of living in a constant state of surveillance and self-examination.
TLDR: In a world where humans have grain memory chip implants, a man becomes stressed after a concerning appraisal at work, causing him to come to the conclusion his wife is having an affair. Determined to find out if he is the father of his child, he breaches the privacy and memories of his wife and her paramour.
Comparing The Entire History of You to a Real-Life Example -- Detaining Memories: NASA Engineer and Border Patrol
Sid Bikkannavar, a US-born NASA scientist, experienced an unsettling incident upon his return to the country. He was detained by Customs and Border Patrol, who demanded access to his cell phone despite being informed that it belonged to NASA and contained sensitive information. In order to secure his release, Bikkannavar reluctantly handed over his phone. Customs and Border Patrol proceeded to download all of Bikkannavar's data, including emails, Dropbox files, Facebook information, browser history, photos, and more, onto their databases for examination. After this intrusion into his personal and professional data, Bikkannavar was eventually released.
While to some this may seem like the natural progression of what may happen at a border stop, most citizens of a country wouldn't expect to have their entire phone and internet history searched upon reentering the country. Not only did Bikkannavar's phone contain sensitive information that required high-level security clearances, but his entire life and digital footprint (some may even consider it a "digital memory") were analyzed and examined. Is this not similar to the Black Mirror episode, The Entire History of You (2011)?
Be Right Back (2013)
Be Right Back is a haunting episode from the acclaimed series Black Mirror. After the sudden death of her boyfriend, Martha seeks solace in a new service that recreates a digital version of him using his online presence. As she engages with the AI-driven replica, she finds comfort in its familiar presence but soon desires a more tangible connection, leading her to explore the creation of a synthetic body resembling her deceased partner.
The episode delves into the blurred boundaries between humanity and technology as Martha grapples with the consequences of replacing her loved one with a simulated version. It raises profound questions about the nature of human relationships, the limits of identity, and the ethical implications of artificial companionship. Through Martha's emotional journey, viewers are prompted to reflect on the complexities of grief and the impact of technology on our connections with the departed.
Be Right Back offers a poignant exploration of loss, longing, and the risks inherent in a technologically driven society. It challenges our understanding of what it means to be human and raises thought-provoking discussions about the intertwining of technology and emotions. This gripping episode serves as a haunting reminder of the delicate balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the essence of our humanity.
TLDR: A woman’s husband dies in a car accident. Shortly after, she finds out she is pregnant. Struggling to find solace and comfort after his death, she signs up for a program that utilizes the dead’s social media accounts and personal emails in order to recreate a synthetic version of her lost love.
Comparing Be Right Back to a Real-Life Example -- Luka: Artificial Intelligence in the real world (Now Called 'Replika AI')
Luka is an AI startup founded by Eugenia Kuyda ( Eugenia Kuyda ), which took on a new purpose following the tragic death of her best friend, Roman Mazurenko. Using neural networks, Kuyda trained the AI program to analyze and emulate Mazurenko's unique communication style and online interactions. As a result, the program can now mimic Roman's text patterns and engage in conversations that resemble his way of expressing himself. In a poignant scene, Kuyda is seen communicating with the AI-powered "Roman" through the Luka platform, experiencing a digital connection to her late friend.
It is worth noting that Mazurenko himself had an intriguing venture called "memorial forests." These memorial forests likely refer to Mazurenko's endeavor related to memory preservation or commemoration. The exact details and nature of these memorial forests remain undisclosed, leaving room for speculation about their significance in relation to memory and remembrance.
Through the narrative of Luka and its interaction with Roman's digital persona, this story highlights the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and the profound human desire to preserve memories and maintain connections with those we have lost. It raises thought-provoking questions about the boundaries between the digital and physical realms of remembrance and the ways in which technology can shape and redefine our understanding of memory and memorialization.
Now, Replika, formerly known as Luka, is an AI friend developed by Eugenia Kuyda's startup. This AI companion is designed to learn and grow through conversations with users. Serving as an antidote to the growing sense of alienation often experienced in the realm of social media, Replika becomes an AI confidant, offering a supportive and understanding presence to its users.
San Junipero (2016)
San Junipero is a standout episode from the critically acclaimed series Black Mirror. Set in the not-too-distant future, it presents a unique and poignant love story against the backdrop of a virtual reality paradise.
The episode follows the lives of two women, Yorkie and Kelly, who meet in the idyllic seaside town of San Junipero. As they navigate the vibrant nightlife and the beauty of their surroundings, a deep connection blossoms between them. However, there is more to San Junipero than meets the eye – it is a simulated reality where the elderly and the terminally ill can live out their final days, free from the constraints of the physical world.
As Yorkie and Kelly explore their relationship, they grapple with questions of love, mortality, and the nature of existence. With each visit to San Junipero, they confront the contrasting possibilities of eternal happiness within the simulated reality and the uncertain future awaiting them in the real world. The episode delves into themes of nostalgia, identity, and the ethics of technological advancements, leaving viewers to ponder the nature of life, death, and the pursuit of happiness.
San Junipero is a masterful exploration of the human desire for connection and the complex interplay between technology and human emotions. Its emotionally charged narrative, set against the backdrop of a visually stunning virtual reality landscape, captivates audiences while encouraging reflection on the boundaries of consciousness and the profound impact of virtual worlds on the human experience.
TLDR: What if you could live forever? The year is 1987 and Kelly and Yorki meet in a bar. A romantic relationship between the two is quickly established, but Yorki finds out that Kelly will soon pass away. Yorki is determined to stay with Kelly and it is revealed that the duo is within a sort of virtual reality. The young couple are both quite old, but due to new technology can live on in a computer system called San Junipero.
Comparing San Junipero to a Real-Life Example -- Memorializing: Vinyls, Bios Incube
And Vinyly is a unique company that offers an unconventional approach to the commemoration of life and death. Founded by Jason Leach, And Vinyly specializes in creating custom vinyl records that incorporate the ashes of deceased individuals.
With And Vinyly, clients have the opportunity to leave a lasting musical legacy by having their ashes pressed into a vinyl record. The process involves blending the ashes into the vinyl material during the record pressing, resulting in a truly personalized and tangible memorial. The records can also include custom album artwork, song selections, and even spoken messages or snippets of conversations.
And Vinyly offers a unique way for individuals to connect with their loved ones even after death, using the power of music and the nostalgic appeal of vinyl records. By merging the physicality of the medium with the ashes of the departed, the company provides a one-of-a-kind tribute that celebrates the individual's life and passions.
This distinctive concept offered by And Vinyly challenges traditional notions of remembrance and memorialization, providing a creative and meaningful way for individuals to leave a lasting imprint through music and the enduring medium of vinyl records.
Sure, maybe And Vinyl's capabilities are far-off from San Junipero's digital world where the dead can live on forever, but when we take into consideration that the human body is literally preserved in these vinyls, we start to see how technology is already infiltrating death as a capitalistic space to conserve memory. Combined with the idea of Replika AI, who knows what technology could enter this innovative space next?
Humans, in my cases, are afraid to die. But who says we can't, somehow, live on forever?
The Age of Em (2016)
The Age of Em is a thought-provoking book written by Robin Hanson that delves into the future potential of emulations, or "ems" - computer-based brain simulations of human minds. Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and human consciousness, the book presents a speculative vision of a world where emulations have become the dominant form of intelligent life.
Hanson paints a detailed picture of this hypothetical future society, examining the economic, social, and cultural implications of a world populated by ems. From labor markets and productivity to relationships and personal identity, he delves into the complexities and ramifications of a civilization shaped by fast, replicable minds.
The Age of Em offers readers a unique opportunity to ponder the profound implications of advanced AI and the potential transformations it could bring to human society. Through its meticulous exploration of this speculative future, the book challenges conventional notions of human existence and provides an intellectually stimulating journey into the realm of possible futures driven by the emergence of emulations.
Conclusion
The exploration of AI in popular culture, such as through TV shows like Black Mirror, has served as a catalyst for reflecting on the ethical and societal implications of technological advancements. While the concepts presented in these fictional narratives may have seemed far-fetched in the past, they have become increasingly relevant and feasible in our current technological landscape.
The episodes discussed, including The Entire History of You, Be Right Back, and San Junipero, touch upon themes of memory, identity, relationships, and the consequences of living in a world driven by advanced technology. Real-life examples, such as the detention of NASA engineer Sid Bikkannavar and the AI startup Luka (now Replika), further illustrate the convergence of technology and human experiences. Moreover, the book The Age of Em by Robin Hanson speculates on the potential future where computer-based brain simulations of human minds, known as emulations, become the dominant form of intelligent life.
These narratives and real-life examples prompt us to contemplate the delicate balance between embracing technological progress and preserving our humanity, challenging us to consider how our relationship with technology shapes our memories, relationships, and sense of self.
As we move forward, it is essential to navigate the ethical and societal implications of AI and ensure that these advancements align with our values and preserve the essence of what it means to be human.