What do dinosaurs and AI have in common? | 30 years of Jurassic Park

On the 16th of July 1993, the cinematic behemoth Jurassic Park arrived in UK cinemas. That’s an incredible 30 years ago! Since its original release, the film has spawned a decades-long film franchise, numerous spin-offs, and a vast array of merchandise. Jurassic Park astonished audiences with its spectacular visual effects, incredible soundtrack, and superb cast.

It’s no wonder that it’s considered a classic. Jurassic Park’s longevity can also be attributed to its themes, which are as relevant today as they were in the 90s. Particularly the dangers of advancing technology without regard for the consequences.

“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”

Spoken by the character Dr Ian Malcolm, played by the endlessly charismatic Jeff Goldblum. And the idea is significant not just for the film, but also in the realm of real-world technological advancements.

Jurassic Park’s power and unpredictability

In 1993, Jurassic Park’s T-Rex stomped onto screens and captured our imaginations with its sheer size, power, and unpredictability. A symbol of the dangers of creating something that you can’t control, evoking both awe and fear in equal measure.

Technology, and particularly AI has come a long way in the last few years. We’ve seen breakthroughs that have revolutionised industries, improved efficiency, and enhanced our everyday lives. From voice assistants to self-driving cars, AI has proven its potential to transform the world around us.

Both the T-Rex and AI can be described as a leap into the unknown. AI advancements have brought excitement, but there are concerns about the risks involved. We should consider the ethical implications and potential consequences of AI development. In Jurassic Park, the scientists’ control of the park and the dinosaurs proved to be an illusion. This serves as a reminder that while designing AI systems, we need to consider all possible eventualities

Balancing innovation with responsibility

While AI holds immense promise, it’s crucial to balance innovation with responsibility. The unchecked pursuit of AI development could lead to unintended consequences.

AI can amplify human biases, has been used by fraudsters to make scams more convincing, and is creating copyright concerns for artists.

To mitigate the risks, transparency, regulations, and ethical frameworks are necessary. Thankfully, there are organisations working towards responsible AI practices, to make sure that AI benefits society rather than causing harm.

There are certain jobs that we should think very carefully about before delegating to an AI solution.

Healthcare diagnosis and treatment.

AI can analyse medical data and make recommendations; it can’t replace a medical professional’s empathy and ability to consider the broader context.

Artistic endeavours.

There’s been a massive surge in AI-created art recently. However many people believe that it is only reproducing and remixing existing artistic styles rather than creating anything original.

Writing job applications and answering interview questions.

We’ve heard reports of AI chatbots that can provide answers to interview questions in real-time. While we understand how tempting this might be, a chatbot can’t give answers based on your personal experience or showcase your unique personality.

While AI can automate many tasks, and make our lives easier, we should think twice before we hand over too much autonomy to it.

Jurassic Park’s legacy in tech

On the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park, we’re taking the message that just because you can, it doesn’t always mean that you should, to heart. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the unchecked pursuit of technological advancements. While we embrace the potential and progress AI solutions can bring, we should also take a step back and consider the possible consequences of our actions before we apply them to new situations.

Helping to advance thinking, streamline hiring processes, speed decision making and safeguard workforces our tech solutions balance technological advances with human interactions, intelligence, and analysis. At Morson, we love to talk tech. Let’s talk tech together. Find out how our tech solutions can support your business.