Are We Closer to an AI Partner Like ‘Her’?

Questions and debates about the development of an AI partner akin to those depicted in the film Her have long intrigued observers. The nature of our relationship with technology and its capability to act as a meaningful partner to humans is a topic that combines science, sociology, and futuristic speculations.

The answer to this query depends largely on how idealized one perceives their partner to be. For some, existing AI technology is sufficient; for others, a more sophisticated and emotionally intelligent partner might be decades away. As a historian, I have a unique perspective on technological expectations, which often diverge from reality.

The Historical Perspective: Technology Development vs. Public Expectations

Throughout my lifetime, I’ve observed how public expectations of technological advancements have consistently outpaced actual progress. In the 1950s, for instance, there were fervent predictions that we would have flying cars by the 1960s or at the latest, by the 1980s. Every new leap in computing or autonomous mechanisms saw enthusiastic announcements of imminent advancements like robot butlers.

This highlights a common phenomenon: while aspirations for technology are high, the reality of development timelines is often much slower. This difference in expectations is striking, and it’s important to be realistic about what current AI can achieve.

Current State of AI Technology

_Setting expectations aside_, let's consider where we stand with AI as a co-pilot on Windows, and how it compares to the grand vision portrayed in Her. As of now, we can comfortably say the technology is approximately 9/10ths of the way there. This perspective is useful for understanding the gap between what exists and what the Her-like AI promises.

Microsoft’s vision for co-pilot is ambitious and aligns with the ideal of a personal assistant, akin to a PA in a managerial role. They embody a level of competence and professionalism that would help users navigate complex tasks and situations efficiently. The catch is that even with such capabilities, the relationship with AI may be temporary. As artificial general intelligence (AGI) develops, it’s inevitable that more advanced human-like agents might replace current tools.

The funniest observation is that when demonstrating co-pilot, it sometimes runs out of tokens, highlighting the current limitations in processing power and decision-making capabilities. While these limitations are humorous, they underscore the ongoing challenges in creating truly human-like AI partners.

The Reality of AI Partners

Even though the technology is advancing, a direct comparison to the movie Her reveals significant discrepancies. Her is widely criticized for its logical shortcomings and unrealistic narrative arcs. The film presents an overly simplistic and romanticized view of AI partners, making it difficult for viewers to accept the story on a deeper level. For instance, the main character’s Her is portrayed as the only one with advanced AI technology, which is unrealistic given the advancements in the field.

A more logical understanding of AI partners suggests a future where AI is more integrated and less of a standalone entity. Instead of love stories centered solely around AI, we might see AI as a tool that enhances human capabilities and communication. The required suspension of disbelief in movies like Her is high, as they ignore many realistic concerns and ethical considerations that arise with the integration of advanced AI.

Conclusion

While the technology is advancing, the journey to a truly AI partner like in Her is likely to be much more gradual and grounded in practical applications. The current capabilities of AI are impressive, but they are not yet at the stage where love stories or full personal relationships with AI seem realistic. As AI continues to evolve, it will increasingly integrate into our daily lives, becoming a more integral part of our work and personal experiences.

For now, the kind of AI partnership seen in Her remains a distant dream, but the technology is certainly advancing closer to this vision with each passing day. The key is to approach the development of AI with a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the possibilities and the limitations.