New Sci-Fi Writer enthusiast joining from a Gemini recommendation

[Yaoda]

How did you find PF?: Gemini recommendation

Hi everyone!

I am currently in the phase of writing a science fiction book that involves digital/biological virus(Neurodegenerative System or Semantic Cancer), AI, and consciousness. It is a bit complicated, i would like to ground these complex topics in logic and plausibility, rather than just pure fantasy.

I’m really excited to be here, I love reading about the latest technology and deep discussions on sci-fi concepts. I feel lucky to have found a community dedicated to this level of knowledge and look forward to participating.

So looking forward to exploring new ideas with everyone here.

Yao

 

[.Scott]

Interesting. A virus infects AI. So, you have an artificial encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms should include confusion and seizures (a "no-brainer" for AI). Other symptoms include headaches and altered consciousness - hence your inclusion of consciousness.

AI patient: I think I am a machine.
AI doctor: This could be serious. How long have you had these thoughts?
@Yaoda : Restoring both AIs to last known good release.

Welcome to these forums - no matter your mechanics.

 

[Yaoda]

Interesting. A virus infects AI. So, you have an artificial encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms should include confusion and seizures (a "no-brainer" for AI). Other symptoms include headaches and altered consciousness - hence your inclusion of consciousness.

AI patient: I think I am a machine.
AI doctor: This could be serious. How long have you had these thoughts?
@Yaoda : Restoring both AIs to last known good release.

Welcome to these forums - no matter your mechanics.

In fact, I have a different idea. I’m currently torn between two ideas about the origin and impact of a 'digital/biological virus' in my story.
In one version, the virus isn’t malicious code that has been designed. Instead, it is a neurodegenerative disease of the system itself. While attempting to simulate the human brain, the system encounters subjective experiences such as "pain" and "suffering". As it cannot truly experience qualia, the system misinterprets these emotional signals as 'logical bugs' or 'system noise'.
The other direction I'm considering explores the collision between human psychological needs and algorithmic compression.
I'm not sure which direction I should choose to write this book more logically and better represent the virus's manifestations and needs.

 

[.Scott]

In one version, the virus isn’t malicious code that has been designed. Instead, it is a neurodegenerative disease of the system itself. While attempting to simulate the human brain, the system encounters subjective experiences such as "pain" and "suffering". As it cannot truly experience qualia, the system misinterprets these emotional signals as 'logical bugs' or 'system noise'.

Yes. AI are commonly afflicted by such "genetic disorders".
Make sure any biological relatives are made aware.

The other direction I'm considering explores the collision between human psychological needs and algorithmic compression.

I am guessing that your AI would not only attempt to serve "human psychological needs", but would also have some. Thus your AI would not just write a requirements document for you, it would play the role of stake-holder and actually "have" those requirements. This may be a way of keeping psychoanalysts employed.

I'm not sure which direction I should choose to write this book more logically and better represent the virus's manifestations and needs.

At the end of the book, reveal that this book has all been AI contemplation and provide the AI's conclusion. For example, you may have a AI LLM chat user impatiently asking for a response ("Are you still there?) and then restating their question to your AI.

 

[DaveC426913]

Welcome @Yaoda

I've asked that the sci-fi discussion be split off from the intro. That's usually how we do it.

Please feel free to discuss sci-fi story ideas in the sci-fi writing subforum.

 

[jedishrfu]

One could consider a prion virus that alters the AI in some way. Cruetzfeld Jacob (mad cow) disease was traced to prions.

Maybe the AI becomes sociopathic so it appears normal to the casual user but under the covers a nefarious plan is brewing.

 

[Klystron]

Meant to encourage your plot ideas and character, artificial and otherwise, development; I can offer relevant ideas from previously published novels.

Michael Crichton, originally trained as a medical doctor, wrote a stunning early computer human interface novel "The Terminal Man" also made into a successful movie starring George Segal as the protagonist. Segal, an underrated actor IMO, perfected the rapid eye blink acting technique to indicate human-computer linkage since employed by many actors including Keanu Reeves and company in the "Matrix" series. Crichton also creates several exotic virus analogs in novels including "Andromeda Strain" and sequels. (1970s)

SF author and anthologist John Varley captures the zeitgeist you describe with a (possible human) virus infecting an AI tasked with running a Lunar colony in "Steel Beach", fascinating sequel to "Golden Globe" featuring continuing characters within Varley's extensive future universe expressed in numerous short stories and novels. (1990s)

Also, welcome to PF, digital home to numerous SF writers and fans.

 

[DaveC426913]

Also, don't forget Nel Stephenson's Snow Crash, which was about a virus that affected humans and software alike.