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The future of artifical intelligencé

By A. Kreap

Some computer scientists hope to endow the computer with the ability to think like a human being. This is truly a noble goal worthy of much praise.

So what if computers be- come as inefficient as people? They’ll still be faster. That means they can make more mistakes in a month or two than any of us lesser beings could hope to achieve in a lifetime.

Of course, one side effect would be a sense of humor. Just imagine this:

COMPUTER: Hey, all your files have just been destroyed, including the phone number of that cute date you had!

USER: Everything? date?

Yard Apes

My

COMPUTER: Yeah. What do you think? USER: I’m getting a new

computer.

COMPUTER: Hey, I’m just kidding! Here’s the number. ‘

A lame attempt at humor,

,but many people have an

equal skill at making lousy jokes. Intelligence does not include taste.

Seriously now, think of the reamifications of a human personality. Computer dating clubs — for computers only — will spring up. These com- puters will probably demand their rights. They will want the vote, political office, and (Heaven forbid!) equality!

Imagine what would hap- pen if your computer suf- fered a nervous breakdwon from being worked too hard. You, would have to spend

, hours trying to lift its spirits,

possibly having to arrange sessions with a computer analyst.

Computer crime would be-

come an awesome reality. These machines can effect- ively “counterfeit” money by altering a few numbers in a bank account. If too many unscrupulous computers do this, runaway inflation would surely result.

Any evidence could be erased. Don’t 'forget that computes can now lie and plea bargain. They also have no fear of being placed in jail.

Other serious questions will arise. For instance, would printed circuit boards be considered pornographic? Would computers want the equivalent of medicare? Would rejects at the factory

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be called abortions? Would antiquated machines refuse euthanasia? Would com- puters discriminated against each other by brand or

memory size? How would we, deal with insane computers, especially psychopathic com- puters?

As you can see, many!

MAPUS people meet

important questions on the social impact of artifical intelligence have yet to be! answered.

The Mature and Part-time University Students met on Monday night in Main Building, to listen to Professor Gerry Perry speak on “Study Skills” and to hold their regular meeting.

Pictured are President Olive Bryanton and Vice-President Connie Auld. Missing from picture, Secretary-Treasurer Jackie Schofield. (Photo: MacLeod)

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