When I first turned on a McIntosh home computer in 1984 my anxieties of complexity were instantly eased by one thing: A smiley face appeared on the screen.

Why would that matter? Apple knew and so do you. Microsoft did not. Thirty-five years later Apple holds a big lead in every kind of personal computing device.

Today, we do not just talk to other people on our cell phones, we talk to the cell phone itself. I actually heard myself say “Thank you,” to Siri after she told me the driving distance from Nashville to Boston.

I call the GPS voice in my car "Judy," tell Alexa she popped the wrong movie onto my TV screen and get happy when my inanimate smart watch tells me “good job” after a fitness workout.

On July 31 “60 Minutes” aired a shattering piece. “Deep Fakes” is software that replicates personas on a TV screen making them indistinguishable from the actual person.

The idea is old. The newest software is so good it is terrifying. 

The implications are more profound than the program could encompass. Does our divided nation need any more reasons to distrust what we see on T.V.?

Will “bots” replace people as actors, artists, leaders…caregivers? That is no longer a silly question.

Why not convert us all into “bots” & thus extend life expectancy, replace human memory with the computerized kind, cure disease…?

Compassion’s behaviors can be mimicked by robots. For years now, the Japanese have used robots to raise the mood of the addled elderly in ways that are so effective families can escape visiting.Sincerity will be provided since human consciousness may be downloadable. What will differentiate us?

Humanity's salvation comes in our complex ability to love. Inside Love’s expression is something we name “compassion.”

If that can be copied how will our compassion survive? What about love?

Love,

Erie

P.S. Want to help compassion survive? Consider donating to support our mission of Radical Loving Care™ in healthcare and the arts. Click the "Donate" button at https://www.eriechapmanfoundation.net . ANY contribution (including $1) is appreciated. THANK YOU!  

Photo by Tia Ann Chapman for the Hartford Courant