For years, Elon Musk has offered dire warnings about the potential dark future of artificial intelligence. Now, Musk is turning up the volume of his message by sponsoring Do You Trust This Computer?, a new documentary that thoroughly explores the implications of A.I. for humanity. Musk participated in the film, and he’s paying to have it streamed online for free through the first weekend of April.
Do You Trust This Computer? was directed by Chris Paine and engages with the many ways technology has become so pervasive in our daily lives. As the trailer demonstrates, the vast majority of people don’t even think about how much information they’ve shared on their computers. It’s scary to think how that can be used against us for targeted ads, social media, and even identity theft.
But the most alarming aspect about A.I. is the way it could grow far beyond its creators. Killer robots and A.I. are a sci-fi trope, but there may be very real dangers involved in creating an artificial life that doesn’t really need us around. We’ve given computers control of almost everything. Now imagine if the computers could think for themselves. This could become a life and death issue for all of us.
Do You Trust This Computer? is no longer available for free, but you can rent it for $3.99 on the film’s official site!
Will you be catching Do You Trust This Computer? this weekend? Let us know in the comment section below!
Image: Papercut Films
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