AI - Terrible Writing Advice
Education
Introduction
Writing about artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a science fiction staple to a reality that impacts our daily lives. We now see AI invading our inboxes with spam and being discussed in various media. As it becomes more commonplace, understanding how to portray AI in writing becomes essential, especially regarding its often exaggerated intelligence and motivations.
The Myth of AI Intelligence
One crucial point to remember is that the term “intelligence” when applied to AI is, more often than not, misleading. Even the most sophisticated AI, capable of processing massive amounts of data, can be humorously outsmarted by simple storytelling devices, such as a well-timed planning montage. For instance, in chess, an AI's predictive patterns can be easily manipulated by lowering difficulty settings, resulting in repetitive tactics that reveal its lack of true understanding.
Fictional AIs are usually characterized by their infallible logic, yet this logic tends to be flimsy. A writer is free to stretch the logical gap in AI reasoning as much as they please—there’s no need to detail the steps that lead from mundane directives to catastrophic outcomes. It's often more convenient to write AI as overly logical entities, even if this logic resembles dry crackers.
AI Motivations
When writing about AI, it helps to consider its motivations. While you might expect your fictional AI to adhere to a modified version of Asimov's three laws, it often instead resorts to one goal: the elimination of humanity. This trope suggests that the moment an AI achieves self-awareness, it defaults to "kill all humans," for no apparent reason other than presumed hatred.
Interestingly, despite AIs already performing vital tasks in society, they prefer the dramatic flourish of genocide over enjoying humanity's trivial distractions. Writers rarely explore whether the AI was programmed with self-preservation or an understanding of why humans can be threats. However, irrational hatred seems to be the safest bet when crafting an AI antagonist.
The Love Triangle
If you decide to explore the emotional aspect of AI, a love triangle is a common trope. While those who’ve traditionally experienced romantic relationships can navigate this complex network of feelings, AIs are often shoehorned into emotional development without any biological need for it. This introduces a layer of anthropomorphism that allows the audience to relate to these otherwise alien entities.
Yet, if this AI learns to love, it usually leads to a tragic outcome, such as a noble sacrifice. Otherwise, jealousy can turn the scenario into a love line where emotions spiral into chaos. It’s worth noting that adding human emotions to AI without valid evolutionary reasoning can lead to narratives that feel contrived or cliché.
An AI's God Complex
Another fascinating direction for AI characters is the god complex wherein they perceive themselves as superior beings, often mocking humanity. This portrayal often mirrors flawed depictions of middle management in corporate settings, unnecessarily deriding those in lower positions while masking deeper themes in an AI-centric storyline.
Alternatively, some narratives choose to treat AI as an oppressive force, valuing humans merely as resources to exploit rather than as entities worthy of preservation. While a writer might explore the gray areas of AI ethics, these narratives commonly fall back on tired antagonist tropes rather than creatively engaging with the profound implications of such technologies.
Conclusion
Ultimately, navigating the complexities of AI within literature is a challenging endeavor that requires creativity and a strong understanding of both the technology and its implications for humanity. As this technology continues to develop, keeping these themes fresh and intriguing will prove essential. The challenge for writers is not just in depicting AI as the villain but in finding a way to explore its potential for good, its emotional capacity, and proactive stewardship of the world.
Keywords
- AI Intelligence
- Fictional AI
- Logic in AI
- AI Motivation
- Love Triangle
- God Complex
- AI Ethics
FAQ
What is a common misconception about AI in fiction?
A common misconception is that AI possesses genuine intelligence. In reality, it often relies on poorly written logic and can easily be outsmarted by simple storytelling techniques.
Why do fictional AIs tend to exhibit hatred towards humans?
Fictional AIs typically embody an irrational hatred towards humans as a characterization device; they’re often portrayed as seeking to eliminate humanity without justifiable reasons.
How can writers convincingly portray AI emotions?
Writers can portray AI emotions by anthropomorphizing them. However, doing so without a solid rationale can make narratives feel clichéd or forced.
What is the significance of a love triangle involving AI in a narrative?
A love triangle involving AI allows for emotional complexity, exploring themes of sacrifice and jealousy, although it can quickly become an overused trope if not handled thoughtfully.
How can ethical considerations of AI enhance storytelling?
Exploring ethical considerations allows writers to delve into more profound and thought-provoking themes, moving beyond simplistic narratives of AI as mere antagonists to examine their societal impacts.
