Or so Lizzie Dearden discovered while researching techno-human relationships for the Independent. It appears the film Her really wasn’t that far fetched when the idea of a man falling in love with his super intelligent computer became a reality.
Futurist, Ray Kurzweil claims that within a few years (by 2029) not only will technology surpass our intelligence but they will be able to interact at human level (predominantly emotionally) by creating algorithms which match that of the human brain. Kurzweil stressed that attributes which partners are expected to have will be attributed to our computers; whether it be humour, romance, or being “sexy” super intelligence will be able to do it.
For many, this idea sounds ludicrous but the further I explored the ideas Kurzweil has put out into the public eye about the advancement of technology the more his ideals seem to become practical. We are in a day and age where utilizing technology matters more than face to face interaction, humans are far more accessible through text and social media platforms than they are in a coffee shop. Some people lust over the release of the latest gadgets more than seeing their own partners after weeks to months of being a part. The age of technophilia (a desire and heightened interest to constantly have access to the latest and most advanced technologies) has been on the rise for over a decade and 15 years from now doesn’t seem like all that long of a time frame for some to feel a mutual to their gadgets.
Kurzweil believes that we will sync to what he calls “singularity” where the lines of distinguishing man and technology will cease to exist.