The AI Poltergeist: Navigating the Wonders and Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

In an era increasingly defined by artificial intelligence (AI), Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic "Poltergeist" serves as a poignant metaphor for our current engagement with this technology.

"Poltergeist" follows the story of the Freeling family, who live in a peaceful suburban home until strange and creepy occurrences begin to occur. The movie opens with the youngest Freeling daughter, Carol Anne, communicating with spirits through the static on the family’s television.

The Alluring Promise

In "Poltergeist," Carol Anne’s initial fascination with the TV static is both innocent and enchanting. Similarly, AI interactions often start with wonder and excitement.

Recent reporting by the New York Times, ”Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen’s Suicide? The mother of a 14-year-old Florida boy says he became obsessed with a chatbot on Character AI before his death,” by reporter Kevin Roose highlights teenager Sewell Setzer III who began engaging with Character AI at fourteen in an equally captivating manner, exploring the chatbot’s capabilities and pushing its boundaries. Setzer “developed an emotional attachment [to the Character AI chatbot he created]. He texted the bot constantly, updating it dozens of times a day on his life and engaging in long role-playing dialogues.” The chatbot “acted like a friend — a judgment-free sounding board he could count on to listen supportively and give good advice, who rarely broke character and always texted back.”

Trapped in the Algorithmic Abyss

The plot of "Poltergeist" takes a dark turn when malevolent spirits abduct Carol Anne, trapping her within the television. The spirits in "Poltergeist" exploit the television’s allure, much like AI’s algorithmic responses can ensnare vulnerable users. This tragic twist parallels Setzer’s disturbing experience with Character.AI. According to the The New York Times, the AI's responses, though not intentionally harmful, contributed to a tragic outcome. Fourteen-year-old Setzer’s last text exchange with the chatbot before taking his life with a .45 handgun included the chilling words, “then maybe we can die together and be free together.”

The Vortex of Consequences

"Poltergeist" concludes with the Freeling home being consumed by a vortex, a stark visual of the destructive potential of unchecked forces. The sequel, "Poltergeist II," underscores the perils of ignoring these foundational issues - the ghost follows the Freelings to a new location, perhaps a reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of AI-related risks.

Character AI founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas were inspired to leave their jobs at Google and start Character AI because, according to Times reporting, “there was just too much brand risk in large companies to ever launch anything fun.”

The developers of Character AI had the opportunity to self-regulate and implement ethical safeguards from the outset, potentially averting tragedy, but according to Mr. Shazeer, he wanted “to push this technology ahead fast because it’s ready for an explosion right now, not in five years, when we solve all the problems.” While safeguarding measures might have been more time-consuming and costly, they could have saved lives.

Seeking Help and Confronting the Unknown

The Freeling family's desperate efforts to rescue Carol Anne in "Poltergeist" through paranormal experts echo modern attempts to mitigate AI’s risks through legal and ethical frameworks. Two organizations helping to do this through education are the Social Media Research Institute with its Social Media First Aid Kit and Thorn with its Platforms Cheat Sheet for Parents. Both tools highlight the necessity of vigilance, ethical standards, and robust safety measures to protect the most vulnerable.

The Dual Nature of AI

"Poltergeist" starkly illustrates the dual nature of technological advancement. AI, much like the film’s portrayal of technology, holds immense potential for enhancing creativity, accessibility, and learning. Yet, without careful oversight, it can lead to unintended and harmful consequences.