June monthly poll

For the month of June we thought it would be interesting to see if you think it'd be possible for computers at some point in the future to enslave human kind. Although this month's poll is abnormal I think it could generate some interesting comments and thoughts on the topic. Feel free to post why you believe this is or is not possible, or because of our dependence on computers and technology do you think we're already enslaved to computers?

All past monthly polls and results can also be found on the Computer Hope poll page.

IMHO...we'd have to give computers total control...and I really don't see this happening...not in my lifetime, anyway.

Myself enslaved? I'm not sure. Addicted? Yes I am. (40yrs+ in the environment).
Technology wise, see how far we got.
In the late 40's we got the transistor, then IBM Punch Cards. Also the TV.
Now look around, nice Laptops, Desktops and Network. On this site of the Globe,  mostlikely every business or institution has some form of computerized system. Imagine a Reservation system or Aviation without them boxes. Yes, I think we are already enslaved.

[Moderator]

I was debating something similar to this with a well known AI Programmer who programmed a bot named Mathetes.

My question was:
Can computers ever reach a point (AI Wise) where it would be immoral to turn them off or destroy their data on purpose?

Pistos (Mathetes' creator) returned that:
Since they have no soul [and will never have one], no. It cannot be consider immoral.

A computer could potentially be programmed to enslave a person, by commanding them and, say, shocking them on denial, but, essentially, a human would have to do that in the first place.

AI wise, I dont think you could possibly attach a shocking device to a computer, and teach it through means of AI to take command of a person. I just dont think AI will ever get to that point.
Sure, I have in fact seen some pretty impressive AI systems, but, they can only "learn" on their own to a certain point.

I think that AI programming will progressively get better, and that we will have new methods of allowing a computer to "learn" and even potentially program itself.


For some reason, this topic reminds me of the time that "other" website was copying our posts without permission, and we all started putting copyright notices in our signatures.

[Global Moderator]

Can computers ever reach a point (AI Wise) where it would be immoral to turn them off or destroy their data on purpose?

Computers are developing very fast and i'm sure a something will be developed soon with some sort of intelligence, or at least awareness. I'm not sure they could countermand their own programming though...

I believe it has already happened or happening because we as humans are allowing the co-dependence levels to grow.... and grow.... and grow....

 

My computer went belly up after an upgrade and then I had no electricity for 24 hours.  I was jonesin', man!  I needed my PC!

My computer went belly up after an upgrade and then I had no electricity for 24 hours.  I was jonesin', man!  I needed my PC!

That could be the July poll.

"How long could you go without use of a computer/games console/Mobile phone etc. for personal reasons"

I would say a week for myself.

after then i would start to deteriorate... rapidly!

Yeah good suggestion I'll do that. However, to make it more specific will probably do just computer, e.g: How long have you gone without getting on a computer?

[Moderator]

Yeah good suggestion I'll do that. However, to make it more specific will probably do just computer, e.g: How long have you gone without getting on a computer?

Umm... gosh...
Even when I was a kid, I was using the computer. Windows 3.11, you have failed me!

In the last month, I would have to say I havent gone more than four days without a computer (Memorial Day Weekend camping trip...) and and that was probably the longest I went since the start of this year. (Depressing, I know...)

hasnt it already happened?

I failed to see this poll . . .
I don't think computers will enslave humans.  We may become dependent on them, if we aren't already, but I don't think they will enslave us.
Remember:

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. – Emo Philips

We are calling this era the Computer Age.

Computer is in everything we do today that has to do with result.
Computer is in control we make them does not mean we have control.

[Global Moderator]

We are calling this era the Computer Age.

Computer is in everything we do today that has to do with result.
Computer is in control we make them does not mean we have control.

Computers also keep people alive.

its enslaved me aready! i use it every chance i get!