James Cameron, in addition to being one of the most renowned filmmakers, has had a reputation as a prophet. In fact, he warned us about artificial intelligence decades ago, and we did not listen to him. Artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool for almost any job market, including filmmaking.
However, many filmmakers consider that rather than support, it could be a danger, especially if the use has negative objectives. Many, like James Cameron, disagree with the use of AI for military purposes.
James Cameron Predicted the Use of Artificial Intelligence
James Cameron spoke with CTV News, where he was questioned about his views on artificial intelligence. The filmmaker considers it to be a serious issue; however, he assured that he does not agree with it being used for military or weapons purposes, as this would be a real risk to humanity.
“I warned them in 1984, and they didn’t listen to me (referring to The Terminator). I think the militarization of AI is the biggest danger. I think we will get into the equivalent of a nuclear arms race with AI, and if we don’t build it, others will build it for sure, and then it will escalate,” Cameron said.
The Terminator was released in 1984 and was the first sci-fi movie about a killer cyborg and an artificially created defense network that becomes intelligent. Yes, James Cameron was not so far from what would happen today, almost forty years ago.
On the other hand, the Titanic director stated that he does not believe that AI will replace film and television writers or screenwriters shortly, as he is certain that the technology only spouts information and does not have the power to convey emotions.
“Personally, I don’t think a disembodied mind that just spits out what other embodied minds have said, about the life they’ve had, about love, about lying, about fear, about mortality, and just put it all together in a word salad and then spit it out… I don’t think it has anything that’s going to move the audience. Let’s wait 20 years, and if an AI wins an Oscar for Best Screenplay, I think we have to take it seriously,” he said.
The truth is that since The Terminator we have had artificial intelligence in front of us, and we didn’t realize it or, rather we thought it was impossible.
This story was published in Spanish by Kate Nateras in Cultura Colectiva
