How ancient myths shaped the AI of today — we were dreaming of ChatGPT long before we built it (www.techradar.com)

In their new book, "Myth-Made Machines: The Stories Behind Artificial Intelligence," authors Dave Bradley and Kelly Vero explore the longstanding mythological and cultural narratives that have shaped humanity's understanding and development of AI. They argue that concepts of artificial beings dates back to ancient stories like the mechanical servants created by Hephaestus in Greek mythology and the Golem from Jewish folklore. This historical context reveals that our fascination with creating sentient machines is not a modern phenomenon but a reflection of deep-rooted human anxieties and hopes, influencing both public perception and technological advancement in AI. The significance of this exploration lies in the recognition that today’s AI developers are often inspired by these ancient myths and science fiction narratives. The authors note how fictional constructs, such as HAL 9000 and Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, have influenced actual AI safety discussions and innovations. This interconnectedness raises important questions about morality, ownership, and the societal implications of AI as it evolves. Ultimately, as AI continues to integrate into our lives, understanding its mythological roots may help guide ethical considerations and foster a more balanced relationship between humans and technology.