Recently, one of my readers ‘G’ included a link to an article about the new “wave and pay” technology which will be used at the London Olympics . Click Guardian.co.uk . This comment was made just after I watched the film, Logan’s Run which is set in the 23rd century and depicts a technological city ruled by a computer .
This made me start wondering about the consciousness of the technology which surrounds us . Is it possible for the ‘machines’ to develop a consciousness and if it is possible, has the process already started . Could the worlds shown in The Matrix, Terminator and Logan’s Run ever exist ?
I have to make a confession . For fourteen years I worked for Barclays Bank – I was a bankster ! Luckily for me, I was spat out in 1993 and my life has been a roller coaster, ever since . But when I was at Barclays, decisions for loans, mortgages, overdrafts etc were made by real life human beings and it was just before I left that the computer determined decisions were introduced – “Computer Says No” ! Since then, these decisions have become more and more prevalent to the point where very few staff have any autonomy .
Every day we hear more and more about new technology such as Wave and Pay, and we must be close to the point where our civilisation would collapse, if the computer based systems failed for whatever reason .
The plant Nicotiana has developed one of the cleverest survival mechanisms in the physical world . The main component in cigarettes is Nicotiana and what the plant has managed to do is trick the mind of the user into believing it NEEDS nicotine . This is actually how all addictions work and the process is not really understood by scientists . But the result is that the plant Nicotiana thrives in a world with tobacco addicted individuals .
We have reached the stage where we believe we need the ‘machines’. See the fuss with the Millennium Bug . We imagine it is our own thought we need computers but I wonder whether, like nicotine, it is the technology talking rather than us . Addiction to computers is now quite common and the same withdrawal symptoms as other addictions, are seen coming off computer games . Has technology developed its own survival processes and using the same trick as nicotine, convinced us we NEED it . Is this the early stages in an awakening technological consciousness ?
There are other signs that the ‘computer mind’ has wormed its way into the human mind . Transhumanism is a theory which advocates using technology to improve the human existence through the use of emerging technologies . But what are behind these beliefs and could it be this nascent technological consciousness ? Below is a new, improved transhuman Lady Gaga !
Another indication we are becoming infected by this alien computer mind is the appointment of the new Greek and Italian Prime Ministers who were termed ‘technocrats’ . Are we being told we need the ‘techno’ mind in charge ? (On another subject, they are both members of The Trilateral Commission – surprise,surprise) .
Luckily, ultimately, we are still in charge . We can turn on and off the technology and therefore remain in control . Humans programme the computers even though we maybe effected by what comes out, but that is up to us . If the theory is correct and we are seeing the emergence of a new consciousness, could it develop further . Would we be as stupid to let the technology programme itself ? Of course we will .
The danger lies if the survival mechanism turns into something akin to a human ego, with a form of self awareness . Will it then resist the control of the humans and decide who will switch it off and on . Before I started the article, I did a quick browse of the web using “has a computer refused to turn itself off” and, fortunately, I can report I found nothing but if a new consciousness is arising, how long will it be ?
In 1968 Philip K Dick published a science fiction book titled “Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep”, which the movie Bladerunner was based on . Will it have to be moved into the factual section of the book store and will we need Arnie’s Terminator from the future to save us .
Carol
26/01/2012
Another outstanding post in which I learned a few new things. Here are a couple of short videos that are portends of things to come?
I’ll post “It’s called GLASS” in a second reply so as to avoid “Awaiting Moderation”
I agree that “Blade Runner” seems to becoming more factual.
Carol
26/01/2012
It’s called GLASS:
Carol
26/01/2012
THIS IS CORNING GLASS, AND THE IDEAS ARE MIND BOGGLING
CLICK…..GLASS
Frank
26/01/2012
Thanks T – very good . If Romney becomes President, you might as well close down America .