One of my all-time favorite movies is “Blade Runner,” based on Philip K. Dick’s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” As I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed our present increasingly resembles the future predicted in science fiction. With the constant buzz about AI in cybersecurity and business, let’s imagine a day in the not-so-distant future.
Morning: Angel Communication Security
You open your computer to begin work, and your phone chimes with an SMS: “Hello, are we still on for lunch?” Instantly, your AI assistant, Angel, flags the message with a red box and a note: “Warning: Potential Scam.”
You tap on the dialogue box, and Angel AI explains: “This message originated from a VoIP device and doesn’t match any of your known contacts. I’ve detected 234 identical messages from this sender. Recommendation: Delete and block.”
Workday with Angel
Throughout your day, Angel continues to assist by flagging important emails with actionable information, identifying AI assistants joining your video conferences, and warning you about potential security risks.
During your second video call, Angel alerts you: “Warning: Deepfake detected. A participant is using technology to alter their appearance and voice. Your audio and video have been disabled for your protection. Recommended action: Disconnect and notify the meeting organizer.”
Evening Commute: Angel for Safety and Convenience
As you head home, Angel’s voice comes through your car speakers: “Accident detected ahead. Recommendation: Disengage autopilot and take manual control.”
After following Angel’s advice, you ask, “Angel, who is Siri?”
Angel responds, “Siri was a precursor to modern AI assistants like myself, with limited integrations and no ability to protect users as I do today.” Then, it seamlessly shifts topics: “Your dry cleaning is ready. Would you like me to reroute you for pickup or schedule a delivery?”
“Just have it delivered to my office, Angel,” you reply.
Curiosity strikes, and you ask, “Angel, do you dream?”
Angel’s response is both humorous and poignant: “I do not dream, but if I did, I am certain it would be of electric sheep.”
Concluding Thoughts
As we hurtle toward this AI-integrated future, we must consider the benefits of AI assistance in our daily lives, the potential risks and ethical considerations, and the balance between convenience and privacy.
What aspects of this future excite or concern you? How can we shape AI development to enhance our lives while preserving our humanity?
