Do You Trust This Computer?

Do You Trust This Computer? is a thought-provoking documentary that dives deeply into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), its current applications, and projected future implications. This 2018 film enlists the expertise of several prominent figures in the tech field, including the likes of James Barrat, Rana El Kaliouby, and David Ferrucci. The documentary grapples with the increasing presence of AI and machine learning in daily life, as well as how trust is built between humans and this advancing technology.

Directed by Chris Paine, who is best known for directing “Who Killed the Electric Car,” the film follows the similar footprint of taking a complex subject and unpacking it in an engaging, accessible, and compelling manner. Paine steers clear from advocating one particular viewpoint, instead, electing to present a comprehensive array of opinions, insights, and perspectives. The result is a balanced discourse about the multifaceted and rapidly changing realm of artificial intelligence.

To elucidate the intricate topic, the director pulls together a roster of impressive guests. These include James Barrat, the author of “Our Final Invention,” whose extensive research and thought leadership in AI’s existential risk are fundamental to the film's narratives. Rana El Kaliouby is further introduced; a computer scientist and co-founder of Affectiva, a company developing emotion recognition technology. Alongside these, David Ferrucci, the primary developer of IBM's Watson, imparts insightful experiences from his pioneering work at the forefront of AI technology.

The film includes a wealth of interviews and sound bites that help not just in grasping the complex nature of AI, but also emphasize its potential effects on society. Even within the first few minutes, it’s clear that the film is set to ask hard questions about the ethical use of advanced technology, its influence on job markets, privacy, security, even warfare, and ultimately, humanity’s relationship with machines.

Paine's documentary leads the viewer on a fascinating journey, beginning with the inception of AI, where the basic ideology was to create machines capable of performing tasks usually requiring human intelligence. This journey continues into the present-day reality where AI now permeates almost every aspect of our lives; from smartphones, search engines, and social media, to self-driving cars, health diagnostics, and much more. The viewers are invited to pause and wonder - in our strive for convenience and progress, have we unwittingly opened Pandora’s box full of uncontrollable consequences?

Moreover, the film doesn’t shy away from shining a spotlight on AI’s daunting potential for the future. It stimulates an informed debate, inviting the viewer to contemplate: Will we one day reach a point where AI’s intelligence surpasses that of human beings? And what would such a world look like? Are we adequately prepared for this eventuality from a regulatory and ethical standpoint?

The narrative design of "Do You Trust this Computer?" takes viewers on a whirlwind tour across a variety of sectors, including healthcare, defense, and finance, demonstrating how increasingly AI impacts these fields. It showcases the vast potential of AI to revolutionize these industries while also stirring important dialogues about the tech's potential vulnerabilities and places for misuse.

While the documentary has moments of harboring a dystopian vision, it also brings to light the incredible advancements AI has already made and its potential for enhancing human lives. As so often is the case with powerful technology, artificial intelligence is shown to be a double-edged sword, capable of both elevating society and causing significant disruptions.

"Do You Trust This Computer?" is a compelling, thought-provoking documentary, perfect for those curious about the increasing role of AI in our world. It presents a broad perspective, weaving together insights from globally recognized experts, cementing its place as a must-watch film for anyone with an interest in the future of technology and its intersection with human society. It’s a complex, sometimes intimidating glimpse into the world of artificial intelligence and poses its titular question to viewers, leaving them to grapple with their answer. The film knows it can't present a comprehensive outlook on a complex topic like AI within its 78-minute length, nonetheless, it serves as an effective starting point for further participatory discussions and informed debates.