social implications of the matrix andrew lindstrom chris casola howie robichaud andrew lindstrom...

Social Implications of the Matrix

Andrew LindstromChris Casola

Howie Robichaud

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Introduction

• Released in March 1999• Directed by Larry & Andy Wachowski• What is the Matrix?• Plot Summary

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Characters and Decisions• Neo

– Main Character “The One”, decision: save Morpheus while risking his own life

• Morpheus– Captain “Neb”, decision: free people from Matrix even though he could be

separating them from their happiness• Trinity

– Second in Command, decision: let Morpheus be captured or free Neo• Cypher

– Member of “Neb”, decision: betray the crew to get back into the Matrix• Agent Smith

– Main villain, decisions predetermined by the rules of the program

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Technology Used in the Film

• Existing Technology– Personal Computers (1990’s)– Cell phones

• Fictional Technology– The Matrix– Robotic bug, etc.

Intent of the Film

• Larry & Andy silent about their intent– Avoid “dogma”

• Hired psychologists for commentary

• Made to spur questions– What is real?– Technology

Reality

• Artificial Intelligence– Depiction– Prediction

• Compare to:– 2001: A Space Odyssey– Eagle Eye

• Virtual Reality– Everquest, Second Life– True virtual reality

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Privacy

• Within the Matrix– No real privacy– An illusion, the sentient program knows all

• Outside the Matrix– No real society: no privacy laws– No issues evident in the Film

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Security

• The Matrix as a computer system– Sentient program = firewall and antivirus software– Sentinels = physical security– Hacking into the Matrix

• Is hacking into the Matrix ethical?

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Cybercrime

• Killing in the Matrix• Cybertrespassing and Cybervandalism– Cause damage to a computer system– Disrupt normal operations

• Enslavement – a cyberexacerbated crime• Neo Destroying Agent Smith– Cracking

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

The Digital Divide

• Free from the Matrix and enslaved by it– Those who are free know it’s a virtual reality– Those still inside believe it’s the real world– Those inside the Matrix are unaware of the

capability some have to bend reality– Trinity running from the Agent

Social Aspects

• Community– In Matrix– Outside Matrix

• Virtual Reality– Misrepresentation– Bias

• Sentient Programs

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Conclusion

• The movie analyzes emerging technology of the time like AI and Virtual Reality

• The Matrix can be a warning to how realistic we should make our Virtual Reality

• Ethics involved in the Matrix

Andrew Lindstrom, Howie Robichaud, Chris Casola

Citations

1. http://www.wallfizz.com/film-tv/matrix/412-the-matrix-WallFizz.jpg

2. http://www.beyondhollywood.com/stillsx/2007/09/wachowski-brothers-before-lana.jpg

3. http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/shrek-in-the-matrix.jpg4. http://www.uphaa.com/blog/index.php/mind-deja-vu/5. http://www.traders-talk.com/mb2/index.php?

s=3ac15843a9e8cb45cede4a0f56ddb454&showtopic=125954&st=0&p=553477&#entry553477

6. Other references can be found on our website: socialimps-thematrix.wikispaces.com