This isn't the typical "what 3 books would you bring" desert island question - I find this one to be more compelling and much more personally revealing...
So, here it is...
Assuming your survival isn't a factor, would you rather be stranded on a desert island for one year with an inanimate box containing some sort of AI component, or be stranded for one year with a dog, cat, or animal of your choice.
Disclaimers: assume you have a years supply of animal food and a years supply of electricity to keep the AI running.
I have been playing mental ping-pong with this one for days, and have decided it ultimately comes down to: which one do I believe would more effectively pass the time and help me keep my sanity for a full year? (Note: this shouldn't be a question of your actual physical survival).
Before I reveal where I have settled, lets consider the pros and cons of each...
Inanimate AI: this "box" (think Alexa with more ability) would have the ability to converse with you, tell you stories, play you music, talk about movies with you, etc. but would offer you no physical comfort.
Dog (or cat, if that's your thing): quite the opposite, you can talk to the dog if you please but won't have any meaningful conversation. The dog would offer physical comfort, emotional support, real-time feedback, touch, etc.
For me, once I reached my conclusion, it became clear to me it isn't even close: I would choose my dog. Although she can't speak english, there is something much more human about having real interactions with a living, breathing, being that I think would satisfy the innate need for comforting interaction. I think regardless of how much I enjoy my conversations with the AI, it would eventually drive me bananas not being able to hug/see/interact with a living thing for one year - think about the struggle Joaquin Phoenix goes through in "her"..
Besides, spending some QT with this cutie doesn't sound half bad :-). What would you choose?
THANKS FOR READING
