This article explores the ambivalence between futuristic technologies depicted in films like The Matrix and real-life science and technology. It warns that while advances in science and technology can bring convenience to humanity, they can also pose a destructive threat if misused, and emphasises the importance of regulation and ethical considerations as technology advances.
Science and technology are integral to the development of modern society. As soon as we open our eyes, we are influenced by science and technology. We check our morning schedule on our smartphones, drive to work in electric cars, and work through digital platforms. These daily routines were unimaginable just a few decades ago, but thanks to rapid advances in science and technology, we now take them for granted. However, we often forget that with the convenience of technology comes responsibility. The futuristic technology depicted in these films makes us think about how science and technology are changing our lives today.
The Matrix was released in 1999 and was an instant hit at the box office, becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Despite the fact that the film was released in the 20th century, it left a lasting impression on many people with its suspenseful action sequences and brilliant depiction of the impact of science and technology on a futuristic society. There are two main themes that come to mind when people think of The Matrix. The first is the question of whether virtual reality, which is made up of computer programmes, can really exist, and the second is the question of whether human-made robots can evolve and conquer humans and use them as a source of energy. These two topics have generated a lot of discussion over time. However, I was personally more interested in the futuristic new weapons in the film than in these discussions. The scenes where lasers are fired to melt everything, or where waves are fired instead of bullets from gun-like weapons, were enough to impress not only the characters in the film, but also the audience.
If you think about the weapons used in wars in the past, spears and bows were the mainstay in ancient times, followed by guns and bombs. In the modern era, we’ve seen the development of some of the most spectacular and powerful weapons that seem like they belong in the movies. One such weapon is the Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), which has been featured in films such as The Matrix, Transformers, and G.I. Joe. An EMP is an electromagnetic shockwave, a weapon that concentrates electric and magnetic fields to deliver a shock. This invisible energy can do a lot of damage, making it a very attractive weapon to people.
In films, EMPs are depicted as invisible forces travelling at high speeds to reach their target and cause massive damage. Many people imagine how amazing it would be if they actually existed. I remember watching sci-fi films as a kid and marvelling at all the cool weapons. But now I’ve become more realistic and wonder what would happen if such weapons existed in real life, and whether we would really need them.
The development of science and technology has made human life very convenient. The aforementioned electric and magnetic fields are still very useful today. For example, in the medical field, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laser therapy are both based on these electromagnetic principles. As time goes on, things that were once only in our imagination are becoming reality, and it’s likely that even more innovative technologies will emerge. If science and technology were used in a useful way, human life would be enriched. The problem is that science and technology are not always used for good.
One example of cutting-edge science and technology going awry is the film Jiaozuo. In the film, a technology called nanomites allows for the manipulation of tiny particles at the nanoscale to perform a variety of functions. However, in the film, this technology is weaponised and used to destroy the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This is a stark example of the double-edged nature of science and technology. It’s a warning that even the most useful technology can become a terrifying weapon when misused.
Humans are inherently self-interested and will often abuse science and technology to achieve their own ends. As long as this remains unchanged, attempts to develop more powerful and threatening weapons will continue. Nuclear weapons are one of them. The production of nuclear weapons is regulated globally, but what would happen if it were not? Many countries would be keen to acquire nuclear weapons to strengthen their influence in the international community, and the race to build better and more powerful weapons would accelerate. This phenomenon is not limited to nuclear weapons. New weapons being developed in recent years may not have the same mass destruction capability as nuclear weapons, but they are more capable than nuclear weapons in terms of distance travelled, speed, and accuracy, and therefore need to be regulated.
The history of weapon development shows that even in ancient times, talented scientists contributed to the creation of weapons. The ancient scholar Archimedes discovered various scientific principles, such as buoyancy and leverage, and his catapults were used in warfare. It’s unfortunate that his scientific talents were used to develop weapons, although you have to consider the context of the time. If Archimedes had focused on other scientific discoveries instead of weapons of war, many more important principles would have been discovered.
Today, we live in an era where artificial intelligence threatens humans, and we fear the threat of artificially intelligent robots as depicted in films like The Matrix. Many people warn that advances in AI could spiral out of human control and pose a threat to humanity. However, I am more concerned about human behaviour than AI. If science and technology are allowed to develop and be abused without any regulation, humanity may reach its own destruction before it is wiped out by AI robots. To solve these problems, we need to put in place appropriate regulations and ethical standards as science and technology advance.
Currently, the debate on artificial intelligence is more active than ever. Self-driving cars, medical diagnostic systems, and even the arts are all making their way into people’s lives. While these technological advances are certainly making our lives easier, they also raise questions about the extent to which AI can replace humans. Can AI fully emulate human ethical standards and moral judgements? The answer to this question is still unclear, and the unchecked development of AI technology could lead to new problems. That’s why we are increasingly calling for appropriate regulations and ethical standards to keep up with the pace of technological advancement.
While these advances in science and technology offer tremendous benefits to humans, they also pose great risks. We need to take responsibility for how we use technology, and we need a balanced approach that goes beyond human interests to benefit the planet as a whole and future generations.
