Ah, science fiction! The intimate philosophy of Blade Runner, the adventurous epic of Star Trek, the devilry of Minority Report. Works that have inspired entire generations of programmers, astrophysicists, designers, architects and engineers.
Is this why science fiction and technology show a cyclical relationship? Science fiction ideas and technologies presented in these imaginary worlds tend to “unconsciously” come to fruition. A few days ago I posted a post in which I described the moments in which cinema "designed the future" with science fiction ideas and technologies. While documenting myself, I noticed that the phenomenon is much more widespread.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii even studied this relationship, publishing the paper “Exploring the Referral and Usage of Science Fiction in HCI Literature“. Simply put, science fiction ideas and technologies help scientists break out of the box and design better things.
The impossible realm that becomes possible
Our relationship with technology is a fundamental component of the science fiction genre. Black Mirror Docet. After all, everything revolves around a few questions: how will we be influenced by science fiction ideas and technologies? How will we use them? And these are questions as old as the world.
Science fiction is history
While science fiction may seem like a relatively new genre, it wasn't born yesterday. At the beginning of the 1600s, Kepler wrote Somnium, a story about demons that could be summoned to make travel to the moon possible.
In 1733, Samuel Madden he used angels to explain time travel in his “Memoirs of the Twentieth Century.” We now know everything about Jules Verne, Mary Shelley and HG Wells.
Science fiction ideas and technologies already realized
Over the years, writers and directors have told stories that seemingly predicted future technologies and ideas. Bionic limbs, cell phones, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, tablets, space stations, driverless cars.
They all seem to have got their start in fiction. And the trend hasn't stopped.
Here are some of the most interesting science fiction ideas and technologies presented in modern television and movies that could become part of our reality.
Multiverse theory
Seen in: Rick and Morty, Marvel Universe, Fringe
The idea of living in one of many or potentially infinite universes is currently a favorite theme in Hollywood. It is not infrequently used as a plot device. However, there are some real physical aspects behind this idea.
The general idea is that our universe is just one of infinite possible universes. Why? There could be many reasons. Space-time could truly be infinite, or we could be part of a bubble in a “bubbling soup” of other universes that cannot interact with each other.
A number of scientists have endorsed this idea, the famous Professor Stephen Hawking dedicated his latest article to exploring the idea of a multiverse.
Of the opposite theory (our universe was born from a black hole opened in another universe) there is no trace in science fiction ideas and technologies. Perhaps because it is a more recent theory, or perhaps it is less fascinating.
Instant subliminal learning
Seen in: The Matrix
The scene is famous. Neo loads a kung fu program directly into his brain, learning the ancient martial art in seconds. It seems impossible, but it could become a very real possibility within the next two decades.
Elon Musk's Neuralink implant is a unit that can be painlessly installed on the brain. Among the many potentials to be explored (illustrated in the recent demonstration of this device) there may also be the instant learning of a new series of specific skills. This device will supposedly allow information to be transmitted directly to the brain.
Teleport
Seen in: Star Trek, Flash Gordon
Teleportation is a staple of many science fiction classics. And, the concept of teleportation it is actually real. It just might not work as we think. The researchers were able to carry quantum information through particles over distances of up to 63 miles (101 kilometers). Unfortunately, it appears that teleportation can only be applied to information
Sentient robots / Super AI
Seen In: Virtually every science fiction movie of the past few decades
THEartificial intelligence can be divided into three evolutionary phases:
- Narrow artificial intelligence or applying AI only to specific tasks;
- General artificial intelligence: Apply AI to different areas and autonomously solve problems that AI software was never designed for;
- Super artificial intelligence: artificial intelligence capable of scientific creativity, social skills and general wisdom.
When people talk about the AI we find in our phones, computers and robots, they are talking about narrow intelligence.
We are still far from general artificial intelligence or even super intelligence.
When films or books incorporate science fiction ideas and technologies based on artificial intelligence, however, it is often super intelligence. Artificial intelligence is a controversial topic, with many technology leaders being very vocal about the proper transition from narrow intelligence to general intelligence and beyond.
However, there is an equally large group that claims that AI can never go beyond its narrow limits. So, at least for now, we don't have to worry about a real-life Skynet.
Dimensional portals and wormholes
Seen in: Rick and Morty
You can't mention Rick Sanchez, the character from the Rick and Morty saga, not to mention his portal gun. This handheld device allows him to open wormholes in almost any imaginable location in the multiverse, easily moving through various universes. Science says wormholes are possible.
A wormhole is basically a theoretical tunnel through space-time that could create shortcuts for long journeys through the universe. However, creating these holes in space-time is no easy feat.
One would have to find a source of negative energy to repel gravity long enough to keep a wormhole open, a way to navigate to its intended destination and the certainty that one will actually survive the journey.
Immersive experiences based on CGI
Seen in: Ready Player One, Captain America Civil War
The technology of the virtual reality (VR) has quickly evolved from a pure novelty to a useful and exciting tool. Gaming and entertainment will certainly continue to evolve, with virtual reality eventually becoming the medium of choice to participate in thrilling experiences.
Film studios are already trying to create fully immersive VR movie experiences, while other AAA games are making their way onto VR platforms. But why stop here? Movies like Ready Player One envision futuristic worlds that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
Experiences like Another World VR are already using full-body tactile feedback to immerse players in their game world. Making full immersion a reality may simply be a matter of getting enough computing power.
Reality is not real; we are living in a simulation.
Seen in: The Matrix
Life as a simulation is a concept that has at this point reached legendary meme status.
However, there are some figures in the tech and scientific community like Elon Musk and Neil De Grasse Tyson who they believe this controversial idea might be plausible.
Simulation theory was popularized by Nick Bostrom in his 2003 article, “Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?” In short, Bostrom argues that our future ancestors will likely have the computing power to simulate reality, so what's stopping them from computing our current reality? How do we know that our current reality is not part of a huge computer program?
Philosophers and theoretical physicists have explored these questions. But their conclusions should be taken with a grain of salt, as even Bostrom argued that living in a simulation is more of a philosophical experiment than a real possibility. PERHAPS.
