Science fiction creates artificial intelligence myths in order to interest audiences. The test for artificial intelligence in science fiction is often a show of emotion. In the other extreme, science fiction depicts artificially intelligent beings killing people, or seeking to take over the world. True artificial intelligence is neither violent nor emotional, but simply able to respond creatively to outside stimulus. AI programs are improving, but emotion and internal motivation are areas in which artificial intelligence has far to go.
Emotional Responses in Computer Programs
From movies to comic books, science fiction media often show artificially intelligent beings as robots with feelings. Current technology has not yet achieved an artificially intelligent computer program that exhibits genuine emotion. AI programs are not yet advanced enough to be able to learn about, or follow, social norms without direct input providing clear instructions for each situation.
Artificial intelligence programs are able to simulate human emotion to some degree through verbal responses. This is possible through extensive programming that establishes social norms for the artificially intelligent computer system. The computer program is given directives to govern appropriate responses to different situations. When the program responds with the words or actions it has been directed to use, it can give the impression of emotion. Each unique situation must be entered into the code with the appropriate responses, which results in a highly complicated set of instructions.
Motivation for Artificially Intelligent Programs
Artificially intelligent beings, in science fiction, are motivated by many things. Emotions, fears, or even the desire for world dominion cause these artificial intelligence programs to become violent or attempt to enslave the human race. In reality, however, AI programs are not motivated by anything other than their programming and directives.
The most advanced AI technology can accomplish many amazing feats. AI programs can play chess, solve logic problems creatively, simulate a conversation, and achieve many objectives set for them by a human programmer. Internal motivation, however, is completely lacking in AI programs. Just as emotion may be simulated, motivation can be added as a directive into an artificially intelligent program. This does not provide true motivation, however, only the semblance of motivation.
Capabilities of Artificial Intelligence
Science fiction creates many artificial intelligence myths, particularly regarding the capabilities of artificially intelligent programs. While AI technology is advancing swiftly, there are no artificially intelligent programs that experience emotion. AI simply simulates appropriate emotional responses by following programming directives. In addition, AI programs do not experience internal motivation, but simply perform functions as their programming requires.
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