2012 Prediction: Apocalypse Caused By Slow Internet
Filed under: Alien Intelligence, Aliens, Computers, Psychology, Science, Science Fiction, Social Media, Technology, The Apocalypse, The Future
Are we running out of internet? This report suggests this could be the case.
As we continue to wonder what might cause the 2012 apocalypse infamously predicted by the Mayans, this report has caused a stir because of the following quote from the article in the Times Online: “From 2012, however, PCs and laptops are likely to operate at a much reduced speed, rendering the internet an ‘unreliable toy’”.
Could a frustratingly slow internet cause the infamous 2012 apocalypse? This is a possibility according to an internet researcher who wishes to remain nameless. The reseacher said, “We’ve become so dependent on the internet that a reduction in its performance could lead to global chaos. Banking systems, transportation, utility grids could all come crashing down. I don’t think it’s unreasonable at all to think the ensuing mayhem could snowball into the end of the world.”
While these points are relevant to this theory, psychologist Dr. Eddie Eddington Jr. says he is more concerned about the psychological damage a slow and evaporating internet would have on the world.
Dr. Eddington said the following when reached for comment: “The instant gratification we’ve become used to with the internet and the immediacy with which we can connect to a world of information has made us extremely ADD. Take for instance the Twitter phenomena. Our attention spans and patience are dwindling at exponential rates. If reports that the internet will start slowing to a sudden halt around 2012 are true, then we could very well see our collective psychology short circuit. The results of such a short circuit could be widespread insanity, which would snowball into chaos, riots, and general anarchy. It very well could trigger a sort of ‘social apocalypse’. Perhaps this is what the Mayans predicted.”
What do you think? Could a slow internet in 2012 be the spark that lights the fire of an apocalypse?
Jetpacks: Here Now, and as Cool as we Dreamed
Filed under: Science, Science Fiction, Technology, The Future
Thanks to Cristina at Ninjatronics for forwarding us this link to one of the coolest things ever. I mean, how can you not be cool with one of these water powered jet packs strapped on your back? Look at these people soar. “Weeeeeeeeeeee!!!!”
The Rocketeer’s got nothing on this. Forget the fact you can only go 30 feet high or travel 25 mph. Soon, we’ll be able to cut the umbilical cord tethering us to the water and soar like birds, and be really really cool.
Brillianty Stupid Artificial Intelligence
Filed under: Artificial Intelligence, Cyborgs, Robots, Science, Science Fiction, Technology, The Future
A recent article at the Gamasutra site highlights the need for artificial intelligence to be slightly stupid in order to accurately mimic human behavior and thought processes.
Besides being offensive to us, humans, this article illustrates what could become a disturbing trend in AI programming. Think of it this way – what’s more dangerous than a precision oriented artificially intelligent robot killer like The Terminator? We’ll tell you what – a STUPID Terminator. The reasons are pretty obvious. Artificial intelligence in the hands of a machine, computer, or robot can be a very powerful weapon and tool. Do we really want something that’s slightly stupid in control of that power?