In Computers We Trust?

In “Why it’s good that computers don’t work like the brain” by Donald Norman, the author assumes that computers and robots will never come to mimic and surpass people. I agree and disagree. Although I don’t think the complete mimicry of human behavior is possible any time soon, I believe the number of skills computers can replace human skills are increasing every day. Considering how fast technology is developing, I wouldn’t be surprised if computers can read human’s handwritings or be able to drive a car by itself in near future. I think it’s possible that computers will eventually come to reach certain stage to mimic human skills. Not human emotions but skills.

I don’t think the real problem we have to be concerned about is whether computers will catch up with humans. The real question is “how far are humans going to allow computers to replace our skills?” For the purpose of discussion, let’s say that we have developed a car that can drive by itself. Can we fall asleep in the car seats peacefully while the computer does all the driving? I don’t think so. No matter how precise the computer can drive, we wouldn’t risk our life to a computer. We might count on a drunken friend to give us a ride, but not machine. This is because, I believe, humans are hesitant to give their trust to machines and like to have certain control over machines. They would like to believe that they are above emotionless dumb machines, and this basic idea will probably never change.

Therefore, I think one of the reasons this specific technology has not been developed yet lies in trust issue between humans and computers. The inventors or manufacturers must know that even if they develop this technology, it’s not likely to get many demands, thus discouraging invent of this drive-by-itself car. If we were to develop it, it would be developed at the level that computers are only assisting human’s driving, not total control over it.

So as far as the technology is concerned, the need for more convenience conflicts with need for security. I would love to see how this conflict develops over the next 10 years.