April Fools’ Day

On April Fools’ Day we are at the forefront of a world where Artificial Intelligence is taking over. We see this every day: in supermarkets and factories, in the media and science labs, in law and politics. And at Arcadia Earth.

A few nights ago Peter and I went to a presentation that included positive messages and glaring warnings about or future world. The presentation was hosted by our alma mater, Queen’s University. Luckily for us, it was held at a venue in downtown Toronto, easily accessible by GO train. The highlight of these events for Peter is always the food. We nibbled on nachos with salsa and guacamole, followed by chicken tacos and glasses of red wine. We were almost full, until we saw plates of mouth-watering Mexican doughnuts called churros. We each ate 4.

Buoyed by the food, we moved on to the lecture hall where the panel members from Queen’s were seated in front of a large AI screen counting down the start time by the second:

The professors were from media, science and law, as well as one student who gave her perspective, and the moderator from BMO who talked about the financial implications. They all spoke briefly about their field, pointing out the benefits to society. The media prof stated the obvious: that “AI-generated media is all around us.” He gave the example of Taylor Swift having to re-record her original songs using AI and adding tweaks, because her record company would not release the rights to her own intellectual property.

The science professor talked about the value of AI in science labs, saving time collecting and narrowing down data. The law prof covered some of the ethical issues around legal documents that were AI-created. For example, there are many cases of candidates applying for jobs who submit their AI-generate applications, and receive AI-generated responses, the entire process having no human interaction!

After the presentation and a brief Q and A, we were released to explore the venue – Arcadia Earth. Despite the delicious food and the very informative talk, this place to us was the highlight of the evening. We stepped from square-shaped box-like rooms, through mirrors, and into other worlds of bright colours, soft musical notes, fragrant aromas, and breathtaking beauty: suddenly and disturbingly transformed.

First we walked through a glass tunnel leading us through ocean water filled with sharks, stingrays, sunfish and turtles who swam very close to the glass as if posing for us. We were entranced. As we were enjoying the view, suddenly a massive piece of concrete slammed into the ocean, destroying the fish and creating the foundation for a condo tower or office building.

The second space held model heads with huge noses and hair created from pages of discarded old books. Behind each head was a sample of artificially created scents. This room was warm and inviting – until we realized how many books had been trashed to create the hair.

Not knowing what to expect next, we haltingly entered the room: a sun-filled forest of brilliant green foliage with deer meandering and munching contentedly on the ground cover. But this idyllic scene was quicky transformed into a glacier in the arctic; cold and formidable.

We carefully moved into another room, this one presented as a brilliant red forest with lovely hanging trees all around us. We tiptoed in to explore, and sat on some carved seats inside the trunks. it was peaceful. But what was the catch? We looked closer. Everything in the room was ocean waste: ropes, fishnets, pieces of discarded oars, and bones. It was disgusting.

There were many other similar types of displays: both attractive and jarring. Technology has been used to create a very clear message: clean up the environment. All our grandchildren should see this display. April Fools’ Day is not a bad time to visit.

Sue