{San Francisco} Are the Machines Coming to Get Us?

1. Film: "Her" (2013) directed by Spike Jonze A near-future romance that explores the relationship between a man and an AI operating system. This film delves into themes of human-AI interaction, emotional connections with technology, and the blurring lines between artificial and human intelligence. Length: 2 hours

   
   

2. Short story: Ray Bradbury's "The Veldt" - Ray Bradbury's "The Veldt" explores themes of technology's power, the loss of human connection, and the consequences of parental neglect. It raises enduring questions about control and dependency: How much control should we give to technology? What happens when technology replaces human relationships? How do parental roles and responsibilities change in a highly automated world? The story challenges readers to reflect on the balance between convenience and the emotional bonds that sustain families. ~ 13 pages Questions We’ll Wonder About:

   🔹 If AI can think, feel, and form relationships, is it still just a tool—or something more?

   🔹 Does technology deepen our connections, or does it create illusions of intimacy?

   🔹 When machines take over human roles, do we gain freedom or lose something essential?

   🔹 How do we know when we are in control of our technology—and when it is in control of us?

   
   

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