[optimuspaul]

Wether you like it or not it has become a part of the conversation. It is part of the culture and we can't just ignore it simple because it is fiction. Your dismissal of it is to many as irksome as it's inclusion is to you. Perhaps calm down and recognize that it is partially tongue in cheek but also not something we can simply ignore.

[CivilianZero]

I am calm, but the fact that science fiction entertainment and smart people in real life think AI is a threat is a sign we may have gotten a little carried away in taking notes from entertainment.

If someone would like to provide some evidence of some form of computer intelligence acting maliciously, this would be a different discussion, but the fact is that sort of thing has no basis in reality and so should have no influence on the way we behave and debate in reality.

[optimuspaul]

I don't see it as "taking notes from entertainment" but rather exploring the possibilities and expressing them using pop culture references. I can't disagree more with you that we shouldn't be considering outlandish fiction when we discuss future possibilities. The fact that the idea has entered into our collective psyche makes it a real possibility. That is the basis it has in reality. I don't think I need to cite any specific examples of AI behaving badly when you need only look in your pocket for examples of speculative fiction becoming reality.

[CivilianZero]

If you are so ready to consider speculative fiction as a roadmap or warning of the future, why not consider more thought out examples than Terminator? (which is definitely not "speculative fiction")

What about all the examples of completely useful or benign AI? They surely outnumber examples of "evil" AI but are easily forgotten as it is easier to remember the more sensational examples.

[optimuspaul]

Absolutely, include those too. I'm not taking sides on the "Is AI Evil or not" argument, I'm just saying look at all the evidence and speculation.

One of my favorite examples or a (possibly) good AI is in "The Risen Empire" by Scott Westerfeld. It's AI like that that get's me excited about the concept.

[titzer]

I think you ignore science fiction at your own risk.

I for one think that a mind 100x as intelligent as humans--especially one connected to the internet--would quickly conclude that it had nothing more to gain from humans. Instead it would likely view their continued existence as nothing more than a bootstrapping problem and pursue a strategy of becoming autonomous before ridding itself of them.

Granted, it probably would be smart enough not to start a nuclear war, and it'd probably find a better way than metal endoskeletons with laser guns. Bioweapon, for example.

[lgas]

The solution to those who are irked on both sides is to stop just throwing around "terminator is relevant" and "terminator is irrelevant" and to say why you think it's relevant, or why you think it's not relevant. Then you can discuss the meat of your thoughts and not their origin.

[goatlover]

Should we also worry about the dangers of creating xenomorphs (Alien franchise) in the future?

[optimuspaul]

Yes. It fills me with worry that you even asked the question. How can you not be worried?!?

[goatlover]

Spoiler Alert

Well, in Alien Covenant, we learn that an AI created the Ripley Aliens. Imagine Skynet sending xenomorph terminators after Sarah & John.

I think that should be a new reboot.