Chapter 10 - Automation and Globalization

Predictive Decision Making (00:03:30)

• At birth, Vincent’s genetic analysis is processed instantly, determining his likelihood of disease and success in life. This automated system reduces his entire future to a few data points, which then dictates his opportunities and status in society. This is a clear example of the automation of decision-making, where a person’s fate is determined solely by genetic information, reflecting the blind trust society places in such systems.

Automated Job Eligibility (00:31:52)

• Jump forward a bit, and we see how job selection works at Gattaca. Every day, employees have to submit DNA samples to prove they belong and only those with "superior" genes get to stay. Vincent however, cheats the system by using Jerome’s DNA to fake being a "valid" and keep his job. This shows how even an advanced, automated system can be outsmarted and manipulated. No system is perfect, even if it’s running on "science." 

The Role of Automation in Societal Structure (00:15:50)

• In Gattaca, the society is structured entirely around automated genetic predictions. Those with perfect genes are set up for success while their counterparts struggle to get by at the bottom of the barrel. But, even those who are genetically engineered to be perfect (Jerome), can't escape from life's unpredictability. This shows that reliance on technology to maximize human potential actually ends up creating a society that's rigid, discriminatory, and overlooks real human potential.

Economic Divide

• The gene editing technology would be available to richest people which will make their children more successful and increase inequality