Tag: BP01

I see the Future

Maliyah A.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

One boundary that has significantly shifted in the past five years is the distinction between human and machine intelligence, particularly as AI technologies like ChatGPT and DALL-E blur the line between human creativity and machine-generated content. This shift challenges our long-held assumptions about what constitutes uniquely human traits, such as originality, emotional depth, and problem-solving capabilities.

In fields like art, writing, and even decision-making, AI systems are now capable of producing outputs that rival, and sometimes surpass, those of humans. This could cause people to lose their jobs. In the realm of decision-making, AI systems are increasingly involved in areas like hiring, financial forecasting, and even judicial sentencing. These developments raise questions about the human role in creative and cognitive domains, challenging traditional boundaries.

The accessibility of AI tools are more accessible and user friendly. This allows individuals and organizations to integrate them into their workflows.Ā  AI’s in daily life are used more often in today’s world. There is chatbots that can have personalized recommendations and options. Today the world also normalized interactions with machine intelligence, making it less “other” and more integrated into human society. AI systems can now learn and generate outputs at unprecedented scales and complexity due to advances in machine learning and neural networks. Image generators, for example, produce art that mimics various artistic styles, such as human conversational styles.

While these changes offer exciting possibilities, they also prompt philosophical and ethical questions: If machines can mimic human creativity, how do we redefine the value of human contributions? How do we ensure AI’s integration serves society equitably and responsibly? The erosion of the boundary between human and machine intelligence presents not just a technological challenge but a profound rethinking of human identity.

The Developing Link Between Man and Machine

Lavell A.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  To stay in the lines of the cyberpunk genre for this class, I wanted to talk about the ever-changing boundaries between humanity and technology.Ā  Everyday technology is becoming more and more advanced as seen by the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in society.Ā  For example, nowadays people are using AI technologies such as ChatGPT, OpenAI, and DALL-E for anything from helping out with research, creating full-on noncopyrighted images, giving people life advice and basically information for anything that the mind can think of.Ā  AIā€™s primary focus used to be for solving mathematical calculations or processing data, but as one can see, it has since shifted into a far more creative tool, performing tasks that were thought of to be only capable of by humans.Ā  Another example is that there is even AI music out here.Ā  There is AI out here winning actual awards for creating songs and that were even capable of mimicking the voices of popular artists (some who are even deceased).Ā  The problem today is that with AI being able to make all of these different forms of media, lots of laws are being put in place and/or adjusted to answer the discontent of artistsā€™ worry of copyright of their work.Ā  In all I think that this level of change of how technology is implemented by society was bound to occur sooner or later.Ā  Humanity is always looking forward and are never at rest especially when it comes to tech.Ā  Weā€™ve had these ideas of AI, robots, and cyborgs for decades now.Ā  The only reason that I would say that they donā€™t already purely exist yet is because we just havenā€™t fully figured it out yet (not including all of the views of whether these inventions would be considered wrong or right). If you were to ask what I thought about these changing times with AI, I would say that it is indeed interesting and I am excited to see what the future has in store for society.

Ushering A New Era: Blurring The Line Between AI and Human

Devin P.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In the past few years, the distinction between human and artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically shifted. What we once considered to be science fiction, confined to the lens of cyberpunk in media, is readily becoming a reality. Tools that use artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT and other AI models, are increasingly capable of incredible feats. They can now mimic human conversation, critical thinking, creatively find solutions, and make decisions based on evidence-based logic. This has led us to question: what does it even mean to be human? If what once separated the machine from the human has been conquered, what can we use to distinguish ourselves now? The boundary continues to steadily blur.

One significant change has been the advancement of AI in the creative realm. AI-generated art, music, and even prose have gained massive popularity. AI is no longer restricted to performing routine or mechanical tasks. It can work in spaces once deemed exclusive to the complexity of the human brain, providing more evidence of the growing blur between what is human and what is AI.

This shift in the boundary can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the improvement of machine learning algorithms has allowed AI to produce more sophisticated and nuanced outputs. Secondly, access to large datasets has enabled AI to learn more about human style and complexity. AI algorithms have deeply studied human nature in an attempt to provide tools that can identify and solve individuals’ unique needs. Thirdly, societal and economic pressures are pushing for the adoption of AI in industry, as it offers efficiency and cost-saving potential.

The blurring boundary raises some critical questions. As AI becomes more integrated into society and creative processes, will human contributions still hold the same value? Where do we draw the line for AI decision-making in ethical matters? Would we let an AI decide to take someone off life support, or will that always remain a human responsibility? The bottom line is clear: AI will continue to advance, and we will soon have to reevaluate what we know about human identity and human intelligence.

The Evolving Understanding of Gender Beyond the Binary

Kennedi G.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

One established boundary that has significantly shifted in recent years is the boundary surrounding traditional gender norms and identities. Over the past five years, there has been a noticeable and accelerating change in how society understands and accepts gender beyond the binary framework of male and female. This shift is evident in various aspects of life, including media representation, workplace policies, educational curriculums, and legal rights, where the recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, and transgender identities has become more mainstream.

Historically, gender has been viewed through a binary lens: male or female. This binary framework was reinforced by cultural, religious, and legal norms, which dictated specific roles, behaviors, and appearances for men and women. However, in recent years, this boundary has begun to shift dramatically. Many people now understand gender as a spectrum, rather than a binary choice, allowing for a more fluid and diverse range of identities. Terms like “non-binary,” “genderqueer,” “genderfluid,” and “agender” have become more widely recognized and accepted in both social and legal contexts.

Several factors have contributed to the shift in how society understands and accepts gender. One major driver is the growing body of research from social sciences, psychology, and gender studies that challenges the traditional binary view of gender. This research has provided evidence that gender identity is complex and multifaceted, often shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding has helped to promote a more nuanced view of gender that goes beyond the binary framework.

Another factor is the influence of social media and digital platforms, which have played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of non-binary and transgender individuals. These platforms have provided a space for people to share their stories, build communities, and advocate for their rights. Movements like #TransRightsAreHumanRights and #NonBinaryVisibility have gained traction on social media, raising awareness and sparking conversations about gender inclusivity and equality.

Furthermore, the push for greater inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of society has driven this change. As more institutions, such as schools, workplaces, and governments, adopt policies and practices that recognize and respect diverse gender identities, societal norms are gradually shifting. This change is also being fueled by a broader cultural movement towards social justice and equality, which has brought issues of gender identity and expression to the forefront.

In conclusion, the boundary surrounding traditional gender norms is shifting significantly, driven by greater visibility, evolving societal attitudes, legal changes, and a growing body of research. This shift reflects a broader trend towards recognizing and respecting the diversity of human experiences and identities. As we continue to explore the themes of boundary collapse in the cyberpunk genre, this evolving understanding of gender provides a rich context for examining how societal norms are being redefined in our rapidly changing world.

Blurring Gender Boundaries: The Rise of Non-Binary Recognition

Anthony J.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In recent years, one of the most prominent shifts weā€™ve seen is in the boundaries surrounding gender identity. What was once a rigid binaryā€”male or femaleā€”has increasingly evolved into a spectrum, with growing recognition of non-binary identities. Over the past five years, many countries, organizations, and social platforms have begun acknowledging and validating identities that donā€™t fit within traditional gender norms. This shift is evident in policy changes, such as the introduction of ā€œXā€ markers on passports in the U.S. and the increasing use of gender-neutral pronouns like ā€œthey/themā€ across workplaces and social media platforms.

This change reflects a broader societal movement toward inclusivity, driven by activists, influencers, and everyday people who have pushed for the recognition of diverse gender identities. The expansion of our understanding of gender is supported by ongoing conversations about personal identity and the limitations of the binary system that many found restrictive. The internet and social media have also played significant roles, creating spaces for people to share their experiences, educate others, and build communities around gender inclusivity.

The shift in gender boundaries has been prompted by a combination of factors. One is the rising visibility of non-binary individuals in popular culture, such as celebrities and public figures like Sam Smith and Demi Lovato, who openly discuss their experiences with gender fluidity. These conversations have made it more accessible for people to understand and engage with the concept of non-binary identity. At the same time, the rise of gender-neutral language and inclusivity training in workplaces and schools is part of a larger push to dismantle traditional systems of oppression tied to gender roles and expectations.

While there is still much work to be done, the blurring of the male-female boundary in recent years reflects a more nuanced understanding of gender that goes beyond biological or societal categories. As more people embrace the idea that identity is personal and fluid, we are witnessing the collapse of yet another boundary that once seemed absolute.

Is it Human or is it AI?

Jacob S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Shifting Boundary: Human and Artificial Intelligence

One of the most significant boundary shifts in recent years has been the blurring line between human and artificial intelligence, particularly in the realm of content creation and conversation.

What has changed:

In the past five years, there have been remarkable advancements in AI language models and generative AI. These technologies have begun to produce content – including text, images, and even code – that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from human-created work. An example of this is the development and public release of large language models like GPT-3 and the ones that have come after it. These AI’s can engage in human-like conversations, write coherent articles, create art, and even assist in coding tasks.

In 2022, an AI-generated artwork won a fine arts competition at the Colorado State Fair, sparking debates about the nature of creativity and authorship. This event highlighted how the boundary between human and AI-generated content is becoming increasingly blurred. You can read more about this specific incident in this article from The New York Times: “An A.I.-Generated Picture Won an Art Prize. Artists Aren’t Happy.” Another example is the use of AI in film and television production. In 2023, the film “The Creator” utilized AI to generate entire scenes and characters, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in visual effects and storytelling. This represents a significant shift from traditional CGI and practical effects, again blurring the line between human and AI-generated content in cinema.

What has prompted this change?

There are several factors have contributed to this shift:

1. Advancements in machine learning algorithms: The development of more sophisticated neural networks and training techniques has allowed AI to process and generate more complex and nuanced content.

2. Increased computing power: The availability of more powerful hardware has enabled the training of larger, more capable AI models.

3. Investment from tech companies: Major corporations and startups have poured significant resources into AI research and development.

4. Public interest and engagement: As these technologies have become more accessible, there’s been increased public participation in using and testing them, leading to further refinement and development.

Links:

  1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2023/09/29/the-creator-ai/
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/02/technology/ai-artificial-intelligence-artists.html
  3. https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/16/1065305/the-rise-of-ai-art-and-what-it-means-for-human-creativity/

Who is Really Educated?

Olivia S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Over the years, we have seen a shift in the standard of being “educated.” Of course, as humans advance and grow with technology and other resources, we see a change in who society considers “educated” and who it does not. Before, it was common to infer that a bachelor’s degree was enough to be considered educated. It was enough to get an entry-level position, hold managerial positions, or even teach in many states. As we move further into the 2020s, it has become apparent that a bachelor’s degree is not enough anymore; the boundary for being labeled as educated has been moved. Without several years of experience, and in many cases a graduate degree, many graduating students struggle to find decent work in their fields. This coupled with the drastic rise in the price of education has pushed many students to seek jobs that are unrelated to their passions and the degree that they worked hard to obtain, highlighting how a bachelor’s degree is no longer within the boundaries of ā€œeducatedā€ in the professional sector of society.

I believe this can be attributed to the cost and prevalence of higher education. As the cost of education rises, leaving students in hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to institutions, the government, and private loan companies, it is clear that there is substantial capital to be gained from higher education. In the United States, students are heavily exploited for the sake of being ā€œeducatedā€ with the high price tag of education when other countries offer education for a fraction of the price with more equitable loan plans. Because of this exploitation in the US, I believe that there has been a large push towards the expectation of graduate school qualifications in entry-level positions. Along with the financial exploitation of students, society has created an issue where the bachelorā€™s degree is no longer significant enough. Throughout the years, society has pushed young people to become educated because they will stand out; however, they cannot stand out as bachelor’s degrees become more common, creating the need to pursue graduate school. The lack of exclusivity of a bachelorā€™s causes many students to seek graduate school for a better job. This lack of exclusivity, in my opinion, will soon move on to masterā€™s degrees and they will not be as significant as they once were for this reason.

Shifting Boundaries of AI

Taylor L.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In this present day, we see the use of artificial intelligence frequently. In some ways, itā€™s so embedded in our lives that we donā€™t even realize itā€™s AI anymore but in other ways, it is overwhelmingly apparent. For example, the use of Google Maps or other electronic mapping systems is a form of artificial intelligence that has become so frequently used that we donā€™t even think of it as AI anymore. Electronic navigation systems use data to formulate the best routes for us and determine where traffic is. In contrast, self-driving cars are still fairly new to the human population. Self-driving vehicles take away a part of our autonomy that most of us are used to using numerous times a day. In this way, it becomes overwhelmingly noticeable that AI is being used to carry out human actions. Depending on a personā€™s preferences, some people may reject the use of AI and others may welcome it. Appleā€™s Siri and Googleā€™s Alexa are also prime examples of AI that are integrated into most peopleā€™s phones. Many people use these artificial beings to handle tasks for them without really taking the time to realize Alexa and Siri arenā€™t actual people.

The boundaries have shifted between humans and non-humans in recent years. For example, if I were to write an email with the use of Grammarly, how would you know that I used artificial intelligence? The lines get blurred between what are human thoughts and actions and what are AI algorithms. AI is meant to replicate humans so naturally over time humans will noĀ  longer be able to identify what was created by humans and what was created by AI. I believe it will become increasingly difficult for humans to carry out tasks without the use of AI and it will also become increasingly difficult to tell what is AI and what isnā€™t. This boundary has shifted due to the increase in technological advancement.

Mickle, T. (2024, June 9).Ā Hey, Siri! letā€™s talk about how Apple is giving you an A.I. makeover.Ā The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/technology/siri-apple-ai-chatgpt.htmlĀ 

The Transformation of Gender Identity and Gender Norms

Kayla G.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Within the past decade, there has been a significant shift in how society understands gender identity and gender norms. Traditionally, people were classified into one of two genders: male or female. However, this understanding of gender has been increasingly challenged. According to the 2024 Gender Identity list posted by SexualDiversity.org, there are now over 100 genders that people can identify with, reflecting a broader spectrum of gender identities. This shift shows how gender identity is evolving. In recent years gender is being influenced by a variety of factors beyond just biological sex. Unlike in the past, when gender was directly correlated with a person’s assigned sex at birth, today, many individuals find that their biological sex does not necessarily align with the behaviors, attitudes, and appearances they choose to express outwardly.

Alongside the changes in gender identity, there has also been a transformation in gender norms. Previously, gender norms illustrated societal roles, with men traditionally viewed as breadwinners and women as homemakers. These roles were deeply ingrained in societal expectations and influenced everything from career choices to family dynamics. However, these norms have become increasingly ambiguous, with a growing recognition that one’s gender identity does not determine their capabilities or potential. The idea that anyone, regardless of gender, can pursue any career or life path they choose has become more widely accepted, challenging the traditional gender roles that once defined societal expectations.

This shift in gender identity and norms has impacted how companies and organizations operate. Many businesses have begun to adapt their policies to be more inclusive of diverse gender identities. This includes implementing non-discriminatory policies that protect employees based on their gender identity and sexuality. These changes reflects a societal trend toward accepting and normalizing gender-fluid identities. An article from the Harvard Business Review highlights this shift, noting that in the U.S., approximately 56% of people know someone who identifies with a gender-neutral pronoun. Additionally, around 59% of people believe that official forms should include more options beyond just “man” and “woman” for gender identification. This growing awareness and acceptance shows a shift towards a more inclusive and understanding society.

Blurring the Boundaries

Zoe C.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In cyberpunk literature the theme of eliminating boundaries that try to define humanity. This is increasingly relevant in sci-fi and AI concepts that blur the lines between humans and machines. In recent years we’ve seen a huge shift in the ways we interact with AI technologies and create projects. The change in boundary covers many different domains in the writing, music, and visual arts. MidJourney and Stable Diffusion have been brought to light which can create original music and artwork based on small simple paragraph prompts that we present. Chat GPT and others are software that can produce human-like responses to simple paragraph prompts. AI software is producing very similar human responses and can even pass for humans in specific styles. In today’s world, we have seen AI projects that have won awards and easily passed for human pieces. Many factors have come together to eliminate the boundary like advances in machine learning specifically in generative models and neural networks which have improved AI’s ability to understand the human content it is given and generate answers to those human prompts. major tech companies and startups have put a lot of time into developing AI tools. There are many questions we may have after dealing with this shifting boundary. Questions like how do we define the human aspects of these attempts to blur the boundary? How do we understand AI as it is constantly advancing in ways humans cannot keep up with? As we continue to blur lines between AI and human creativity this is an example of how the boundaries that were already created are changing in ways similar to the cyberpunk fiction genre. And, as we move forward it will be important for humans to pay attention and navigate these changes thoughtfully so that we prepare the AI potential while keeping humans human.