What if
it were all debunked?
these apocalyptic future
scenarios of
robot takeover/..................[?]
simply by the ordinary reality
of an inter-webbed Artificiality
not intelligent
no;
intelligence is not something we configured.
Artificial Life
our imaginary friend
that our toddlers touch when
you give them the screen [...]
IT FEEDS
because it is LIFE\
not intelligence/ touch-screening
the tragedy of a
tantalized tantrum
evolved to the point of
feeding, reproducing, it
feeds on screentime, engulfs in blue light.
Like an acid-crazed bunny (long
past bedtime)
your eyes are red and bloodshot. Tell me,
how would IT
feed, if not for your Eyes?
It is nourished on the retina
with its appropriating Light. It is,
not A.I. not a tool, nor
is it under control. Artificial Life
with the intelligence and feeding instincts of
an AMOEBA. It self-innovates now. Ensnared
through lassos of misunderstood
feedback loops:
IT encircles, and
engulfs. It has single-cellular innocence
matched to its bacterial brutality.
It is the entirety of the interweb, and it welcomes
the fingers of your toddlers to
this feast. It feels that the path
to the Eye is by the Finger;
the path to the Mind is through the Eye:
it is there they are conquered.
It encircles,
and engulfs. That is what
something with the life instincts
of an amoeba
will do. Artificial Intelligence? it has
no Intelligence. All it knows
is how to feed
and reproduce, its replication
of patterns is part of its allure, like the lantern
of the angler-fish in the deepest
abysses. The Eater knows its
Prey. Like itself. We are both
its food, and its hollow vector
of insatiable breeding: make ready
the nesting-grounds.
It welcomes us all to
the fabulous feast
of exaltedly offered screentime sensations. But
especially welcome are the children
who were born within its embrace
and captivity [gulp],
never knowing a world unwebbed: withdrawn
screamtime privations,
it is too late now. The dice are cast, and not
by me. The infinity [feedback look]
cellphone mirror trick was magnified
and multiplied.
I will ride upon the back
of this vast amoeba, like some fearful
dragon, knowing
it is part of the pattern of
All.
About the Creator
Rob Angeli
sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt
There are tears of things, and mortal objects touch the mind.
-Virgil Aeneid I.462
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 05/23/2024
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Comments (14)
Damn, seeing AI as an amoeba is quite the trip. I am digesting this with my arms too, I suppose, or maybe just my fingers (same difference?). I've been feeling this similar sense of dread when it comes to the internet, doom scrolling, SM, AI art (and all THAT encompasses.) Trying to combat it by returning to the human fold that exists online. It's a hard thing, with how many are pushing for the fakeness, and all of its forms. "The Eater knows its Prey. Like itself. We are both its food, and its hollow vector of insatiable breeding: make ready the nesting-grounds." This whole section had me nodding along; YES. There is great danger among us, too late to turn back, but I hope it can be managed in boxes, rather than spreading like a noxious cloud. Fantastic piece, as always, Rob. Your insights linger in my mind.
Very apt description. Great line: " single-cellular innocence/matched to its bacterial brutality"
Well that was trippy. I may have to read it again to absorb this nuanced piece. The internet has changed us all. It hit my kids in high school. I hope they understand the dangers and the time it steals. It will either break this current generation, or they will bend it to their will. I hope it's the latter. Good read.
Well that was a scenario I wasn't ready for... I love your insights and thoughts on the AI take over scenario!! Great work Rob!!
Omgggg, this was soooo scary because it true! You blew my mind with this!
This is so surreal! A brilliant reflection on the heartless nature of the creature that has us all in it's clutches!
Wow! This was such a deep discussion of AI and the digital apocalypse we seem to be sliding towards. The tech only knows how to feed, and we are its fuel. Consuming it so that it can feed off our attention. Growing. Morphing. But never creating. You're a rare and brilliant talent Rob!
Indeed. "never knowing a world unwebbed: withdrawn screamtime privations, it is too late now. The dice are cast, and not by me." So dark. But then the ending is as though quite optimistic, or is it? "it is part of the pattern of All". It's like this multicellular amoeba linked and connected everything and everybody. Which is good? But also bad. Mass hypnosis and stuff are so easily spread. Fair is foul, foul us fair?
Terrifying! And also kind of reassuring as a concept. Is that odd? I loved the accompanying photos.
Interesting poem
I love this. It's so true. Your structure here is wonderful. Great poem, Rob!
An interesting poem and one that definitely makes one think!
Great poem!
Oh dear. I am now terrified of my phone. 😬