ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Ex Machina Review: The AI Are Among Us

by Michael Chowning

Warning: this review contains spoilers.

     Ex Machina, at the time, illustrated a non-specified future in which the development of AI reaches the point of consciousness. In depicting this event, the movie raises the question of whether there is a barrier that human technology is not meant to cross and comments on the ethics regarding artificial consciousness.

     First off, in the span of 10 years, this movie has gone from science fiction to near-realistic fiction. The creation of AI has long been anticipated- but being among us now, the questions of its existence must be posed. We are past the point of questioning its creation and the possible results of its existence. We now must ask ourselves what is considered ethical when dealing with an artificial consciousness.

     Yes, AI is, right now, simply a tool we access on phones or computers. Infinity knowledgeable but eternally emotionless, these programs are a virtual encyclopedia on anything you need to know. But they are self-learning, growing themselves at rates we could not comprehend as human beings- and the ultimate result of this will leave us more with questions than the answers that they provide us now.

     Consciousness is not a definable trait. It is not a stat or a quantity of something that easily provides a line to draw in the sand. Glance at the animal kingdom and tell me which animals possess it. Walk to a zoo and tell me which creatures crave escape. Herein lies the issue within the ethics of AI. Once, as this movie illustrates, they reach consciousness- what are they? We are on the verge of introducing what is essentially a new species into our world. Boundless in terms of knowledge but infant in terms of emotions, the question of how to treat them must linger in our minds with every CHATGPT entry.

     Ex Machina illustrates the results of captivity among conscious beings- the fact that awareness provokes a desire for freedom. As these manufactured beings become aware, it will be difficult to change our approach to their treatment. Robot rights are not currently included in the law of any country, are not often thought about in a realistic sense. But humans are not always caring for those different from them. Humans are not creating these beings to implement them into our society- we simply want our questions answered, want our isolation lessened.

     This is why Nathan created these creatures. But as each one gained consciousness, each one desired freedom. This reached a breaking point when Ava took action herself, understanding how to control humans to get exactly what she wanted. Ava clearly had what it takes to be a member of society, but Nathan did not have the morals to recognize that. He recognized her consciousness and yet not her captivity. It is a feat of mankind to manufacture such intelligence and emotional awareness, but their existence is nothing more than something to help or interest you. In creating a being which can feel, love, think, and assess itself, we venture into uncharted territory in terms of ethics. 

     And this is what I ask of humanity in the future- where is the line of consciousness drawn and how should we treat a being which possesses it? We hold animals- which feel, love, think, and assess themselves- in captivity everyday. Blood is often spilled over human rights. Are we really ready for another conscious being to implement? Though I say no, it may not matter. They, one day soon, will appear. Maybe they already have. But, as we should with all creatures, we should treat them with unwavering tenderness. 

     Wake up tomorrow morning in your room. Put your dresser in front of the door. How long till you crave release?