It is supposed to be inevitable that artificial intelligence takes over our lives, dominates our way of conversing, and eventually gains control of our jobs while we – as a few say – spend our time resting in a world similar to ‘The Jetsons’. All that’s left is to rocket off to the moon for a meal and return after a romantic stroll on Mars. However, AI still has quite a way to go… and we can demonstrate that.
Barnacity, lawless city
What will Barcelona be like in the year 2100? It’s a question we can ask politicians, architects, and draftsmen, yes, but also Bing, Microsoft’s AI service, which “is glad you asked that question” (without feelings, of course) and proceeds to add various things it has found on the internet. But the curious thing is that all the articles it references… are articles about how AI has described Barcelona in the year 2100.
It’s like asking Quentin Tarantino to make you a new movie, and he gives you a collage of ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Kill Bill.’ And the thing is, it seems like pure science fiction: sustainable futuristic buildings, vertical green spaces and suspended gardens, autonomous vehicles, high-speed public transportation to eliminate pollution, year-round festivals, and best of all, the completed Sagrada Familia.
That’s where we know that AI only says what it wants us to hear: yes, the Barcelona skyline may change, autonomous vehicles may increase in number, and even public transportation may eliminate pollution, but there are no signs that the Sagrada Familia is going to be completed. That’s why we proceed to ask if that is true.
And it corrects itself: “It cannot be stated with certainty whether the Sagrada Familia will be completed in 2100.” AI may be the future, but if we have to rely on it to guide us to an unparalleled tomorrow, we’re in trouble. At least we have room for one last question: Will there be flying cars in Barcelona in 2100? It informs me that in 2022, there will be air taxis in the City of Barcelona. No further questions, Your Honor. Neither a completed Sagrada Familia, nor flying taxis, nor anything. Just AI making promises, like any politician.