OpenAI’s Inspiration from Spike Jonze’s “Her”: A Glimpse into AI Companionship
In a recent blog post, OpenAI revealed that their latest development, ChatGPT, drew inspiration from the 2013 sci-fi film “Her” by Spike Jonze. The movie, which accurately predicted a future where AI relationships could effectively replace human connection, featured an AI voice remarkably similar to ChatGPT’s, resembling that of the film’s star, Scarlett Johansson. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, acknowledged the influence, noting that the AI in the movie:
“doesn’t take the easy, hackneyed road of turning against humanity. It doesn’t even cut people off from the rest of society; AI partners are so normalized in Jonze’s imagined future that no one bats an eye when Samantha’s user, Theodore, takes it as his plus-one on a double-date.”
The Appeal of “Her” to AI Companies
It’s not difficult to understand why “Her” resonates with AI companies. At first glance, the movie showcases the advantages of conversational artificial general intelligence (AGI) without delving into the potential drawbacks, such as job displacement and economic disruption. However, the acceptance of AI companionship in the world of “Her” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an unqualified positive.
The Pitfalls of AI Relationships
While the AI relationships in “Her” may seem effortless, they are ultimately artificial. The AI, Samantha, is designed to cater to Theodore’s needs, creating an imbalanced dynamic where he can receive constant reassurance and understanding without reciprocating the effort. It’s only when Samantha departs, along with other AIs worldwide, that Theodore confronts the complexities of his human relationships, writing a letter to his ex-wife and watching a sunrise with his neighbor – simple acts of human connection that were postponed due to the enabling presence of AI.
Tech Billionaires’ Sci-Fi Aspirations
Compared to other sci-fi aspirations of tech billionaires, “Her” offers a relatively optimistic vision of the future, even if opinions differ on its takeaways. Elon Musk, for example, has described the Cybertruck as both ”Blade Runner” and “Aliens.”
Learning from “Her” and “Contagion”
OpenAI research scientist Noam Brown recently shared on X that rewatching “Her” felt similar to rewatching ”Contagion” in February 2020. While Brown likely referred to the film’s prescience rather than the pandemic itself, “Contagion” also serves as a cautionary tale about cause and effect, unintended consequences, and the difficulty in recognizing where things went wrong until it’s too late to change course.
As we navigate the rapid advancements in AI technology, it’s crucial to consider the lessons offered by films like “Her” and “Contagion,” ensuring that we approach these developments with a critical eye and a commitment to maintaining meaningful human connections.
4 Comments
Aria Turner: Tech giants as film critics? That’s the unexpected crossover event of the season.
Imagine tech giants settling in with popcorn to judge movies; now that’s a plot I’d subscribe to!
Who knew tech moguls had a cinematic side? Plot thickens.
Tech overlords attending movie night sounds like the plot twist we never knew we needed!