Ultron

Algorithms

An algorithm is a set of instructions designed to accomplish a specific task. This task often sparks controversy about the potential impact of algorithms and what they are capable of doing. Many people have concerns about what could happen if an algorithm's task negatively affects someone and there is no way to stop it. This scenario is reminiscent of what happened with Ultron in Marvel Comics. In the Marvel Universe, Tony Stark created Ultron as a global defense mechanism to protect humanity from potential threats. However, the task was not as clearly defined as he thought, and Ultron ultimately identified humankind itself as the primary threat. While this may seem like an exaggeration, is it really far-fetched? This is why many people advocate for regulating such technologies, as they become increasingly powerful. Algorithms' ability to access digital databases and influence our online interactions and consumer habits demonstrates their immense power. Therefore, I believe algorithms should be regulated to ensure their responsible use and manage their technological advancements.

Digital Wickedness

The digital world has evolved and grown immensely, creating space for both good and evil, even though fostering evil was never its primary purpose. Issues like the deep web, cyberbullying, stalking, and other malicious activities have become part of this digital landscape, and there seems to be little that can be done to completely stop them. Some people blame technology for these problems, but I believe they reflect the inherent balance of our world. There must be evil for good to exist, and vice versa. This reciprocal relationship has always been a part of society, even when the original intention behind something good was not to inadvertently enable something bad. In Alan Jacobs's reading, the Apostle Paul states, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." This reminds us that our struggle is not to eliminate evil entirely, but to resist being influenced by it. Ultron misunderstood this concept. His solution to evil was to eliminate both variables—good and evil—by extinguishing the human race.

Watch a video on Ultron and Vision's final scene here.

After watching this amusing scene, it can be inferred that principalities play a crucial role in the use of algorithms and technologies such as artificial intelligence. It was initially assumed that Vision and Ultron would be the same entity. However, Vision did not harbor the harsh feelings toward humanity that Ultron did. Vision understood the flaws within our society and acknowledged that we are, in some ways, doomed to be our own worst enemies. Yet, he offered humanity a chance to preserve its existence. I believe this represents an ideal scenario if a powerful algorithm were ever created. However, at this point, it remains uncertain whether a powerful algorithm would react as Vision did, guided by principles rather than destruction.