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