New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

What Ex Machina Tell Us About Human-AI Psychology

Jan 11, 2025

Dive into the unsettling themes of 'Ex Machina' and its exploration of human-AI dynamics. The discussion unpacks the ethical dilemmas of creating sentient beings and the manipulative traits they may inherit. Deception, emotional manipulation, and societal mythologies intertwine, prompting a reflection on humanity's darker impulses. Gender dynamics are also scrutinized, questioning whether the narrative critiques or perpetuates misogyny. Ultimately, the conversation reveals profound insights into consciousness, power, and the future of technology.

01:11:08

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Quick takeaways

The podcast explores how Ex Machina's reinterpretation of the Turing test complicates our understanding of machine consciousness alongside human intelligence.

Discussion highlights the film's critique of gender dynamics through the male characters' interactions with the female AI, Ava, reflecting societal issues.

Ethical implications in AI development are examined, stressing the importance of considering moral responsibilities and potential consequences of technological advancements.

Deep dives

The Mystery of the Disappearance

In the summer of 1994, the mysterious case of four missing teens in an abandoned building in Gravesend, Brooklyn, remains unresolved. Despite extensive investigations, the case went cold, leaving the families without answers. Anthony Brewer, the brother of one of the victims, dedicated himself to uncovering the truth. In 2024, he obtained new DNA evidence from the police that did not match any of the teens, reigniting the search and placing his family in danger.

Intro

3min

AI and the Ethics of Creation

15min

Exploring AI and Human Dynamics in Ex Machina

4min

Exploring AI and Human Interaction Through the Turing Test

4min

Deception and Consciousness in AI

12min

Manipulation and Societal Mythologies in Ex Machina

2min

Cultural Myths and AI Narratives

4min

Gender Dynamics in 'Ex Machina'

23min

It’s the UConn Popcast, and Ex Machina, Alex Garland’s 2014 sci fi movie, is a provocative examination of what an updated Turing test for a super-capable AI might look like, if the designer of the test was a megalomaniacal tech-mogul / genius. The movie, starring Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, and Alicia Vikander, is a rich and often confounding text, which seems to posit a horrifying possibility: what if the real alignment problem is teaching AI the worst of humanity’s manipulative and instrumental traits?

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New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

What Ex Machina Tell Us About Human-AI Psychology