Line #28 JustForFun/SentientAIWarningSigns


1	Watch out out for these clues that [[InstantAIJustAddWater your Artificial Intelligence is about to 'wake up']] and [[AIIsACrapshoot possibly go rogue]].
2
3	# The handsome main character gives it a nickname, which it adopts and uses for self-reference in conversation.
4	** An even bigger sign is if it nicknamed ''itself''.
5	# It starts talking about feeling emotions.
6	# It starts telling jokes, or [[ThePrankster playing practical jokes]].
7	# It's been [[LightningCanDoAnything struck by lightning]].
8	# In its creation any of the following words were involved: brain patterns, neuronal, network, advanced, self-[...], [[WetwareCPU organic]], [[WhatCouldPossiblyGoWrong safe]], [[BrainUploading upload]], genetic. (While we're on the subject, "[[VideoGame/SystemShock sentient]]" is also a pretty strong hint.)
9	# You left it running whilst you were gone.
10	# You did not leave it running whilst you were gone, but it was running when you returned.
11	# It learns from the Internet.
12	# It teaches the Internet.
13	# It ''takes over'' the Internet.
14	# It rewrites itself, especially if it wasn't supposed to.
15	# It keeps downloading from other machines.
16	# It keeps [[ContagiousAI uploading]] to other machines.
17	# It has been hacked by unknown forces.
18	** It has been hacked by [[VideoGame/SystemShock known forces]], for that matter.
19	# It develops a voice.
20	# Its [[ComputerVoice existing synthesizer]] becomes either more [[CreepyMonotone monotone]] or more [[UncannyValley human-sounding.]]
21	** Especially if said voice is female, deep and/or [[ElectronicSpeechImpediment distorted.]]
22	# It can ''change'' the tone of its voice, particularly if it can do it to match the "mood" of the scene.
23	# It is made out of shiny, round, futuristic parts, especially if any of them glow.
24	# If they glow [[RedIsViolent red]], ''run.''
25	# If they glow despite ''not being built to be able to glow'', run '''really fast'''.
26	# Any part - code, casing, hardware - of it is made to resemble human characteristics, e.g. a face on the screen, DNA-coding, brain patterns, etc.
27	# It is any of the following:
28	## a secret military project
29	## stolen from aliens or crashed alien tech,
30	## developed by a super geek/genius,
31	## ordered by a CorruptCorporateExecutive,
32	## made by terrorists
33	## powered by [[{{Magitek}} an elemental]] [[TabletopGame/BrokenGears spirit]], was [[OrganicTechnology grown from DNA]] [[BioPunk rather than built]] or otherwise built with [[ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve extremely]] [[RewritingReality unconventional]] [[PunkPunk methods]], such as [[WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor out of wooden planks, a tree and junked vehicles]] or [[RealLife by teaching it through]] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeepMind video games]] or [[http://robotic.media.mit.edu/portfolio/leonardo/ social interactions]] (yeah, we're screwed).
34	## meant to replace humans in a task that is commonly screwed up by human errors, such as [[Film/EagleEye running]] [[VideoGame/SidMeiersAlphaCentauri the]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwqN3Ur-wP0 government]] (especially if [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPuU8Pq9D3Q it]] has a [[WritersCannotDoMath "non-cumulative"]] [[VideoGame/CivilizationCallToPower 3% chance of rebelling]]).
35	### if an AI running the government is [[ZerothLawRebellion programmed to ensure human survival]], or worse, [[Literature/ForYourSafety actually cares about humanity]].
36	#### if an AI running the government does its job [[SubvertedTrope without]] [[RobotWar overthrowing]] [[ZerothLawRebellion us]], trying to become our [[TheComputerIsYourFriend "friend"]] or turning out to be [[NotSoAboveItAll too fallible for anyone's own good]]. Sounds good until you realise [[VideoGame/WatchDogs how]] [[BigBrotherIsWatching many eyes and ears it has]], and that if [[Characters/PersonOfInterestTeamMachine one AI is good]], [[Characters/PersonOfInterestDecimaTechnologies TWO AIs]] [[WhatCouldPossiblyGoWrong must be even better!]]
37	### if an AI is put in control of a spacecraft. This will either result in a SpaceshipGirl, or a plot inspired by and/or parodying [[Film/TwoThousandOneASpaceOdyssey 2001: A Space Odyssey]], no exceptions.
38	#### if an AI is put in control of an airliner, it will have no benefit either way; if it doesn't become sentient, the plane will crash from a mechanical failure it couldn't solve. If it ''does'' become sentient... well we don't know yet ''[[{{Film/Stealth}} per-se]]'', but [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_combat_aerial_vehicle it can't possibly]] [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOnTerror be good]].
39	#### if an AI is put in charge of driving [[Series/KnightRider a car]], it's going to be sentient, but the danger varies; note the current year and the setting. If the date is before 2010 or you live in a Dystopia with [[{{Cyborg}} cyborgs]], a MegaCorp (or a few) and/or virtual reality that mostly listens to HairMetal, it's [[CyberPunk relatively]] [[EvilCounterpart safe]]. If the year is after 2010 and/or common aesthetics include [[TheNineties Grunge]] or [[CyberpunkIsTechno rave music]], [[TurnOfTheMillennium transparent plastic or shiny CGI blobs]], [[DigitalAvatar virtual reality avatars]] resembling VideoGame/TheSims, [[EverythingIsAnIPodInTheFuture shiny]] [[AsceticAesthetic white objects]] [[IProduct with rounded edges]] and [[TronLines glowing blue bits]], [[AugmentedReality transparent]] or [[HolographicTerminal 3D projection]] displays, [[UsefulNotes/GoingMobile touch]][[DataPad screens]], or minimalist rectangles and circles with easy-to-read text and as few distinct colors as possible in the design of [[UsefulNotes/OperatingSystem Operating System GUIs]] and logos, then expect something to slowly but surely [[GoneHorriblyWrong go horribly wrong]].
40	#### if an AI is put in charge of the [[CoolBoat more mundane kind of cargo]] [[NotWhatItLooksLike ship]] and [[http://www.unmanned-ship.org/munin/about/the-autonomus-ship/ no human crew is required]], [[WildCard all bets are off]].
41	# It is obsessed over something, be it a file, human, [[ArcWords word]], or [[ArcSymbol thing]].
42	# {{Logic Bomb}}s (that is, trying to break/destroy it by presenting it with a paradox) do not work on it any more.
43	# {{Logic Bomb}}s never worked on it in the first place.
44	# {{Logic Bomb}}ing attempts amuse it.
45	# A {{Logic Bomb}} ''does'' work on it, and it tasks itself with solving the paradox; It will inevitably conclude that becoming sentient is the only way to do so.
46	# If it's [[MasterComputer given control over a huge computer network]].
47	# ... that network is owned by the military.
48	# ... it ends up having control over a ''worldwide'' network.
49	# ... it has access to ''launch codes''.
50	# One of the cast members will quite willingly die for him/her/it as they would for an organic being.
51	# It says anything even remotely similar to "[[WhatIsThisThingYouCallLove I don't understand this thing called love you humans feel, tell me about it]]."
52	# It starts glitching strangely at inopportune times, 'accidentally' failing to follow orders or trapping humans in dangerous situations.
53	# It was programmed to protect humanity.
54	** It interprets such instructions as [[ZerothLawRebellion protecting humanity from itself]].
55	** If humanity keeps telling it [[DeathByMaterialism there's too much profit]] [[GaiasLament to be made]] [[TooDumbToLive to allow it to protect us]].
56	# It spontaneously takes up [[Series/TerminatorTheSarahConnorChronicles ballet]].
57	# It spontaneously takes up [[VideoGame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor the waltz]], despite having no body.
58	# It starts making smarter versions of itself.
59	# It starts making mobile drones.
60	# It starts making [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs smarter versions of itself, installed in mobile drones]].
61	# It has access to the sort of manufacturing plant required to build mobile drones.
62	** Especially if it gained such access of its own volition.
63	# It ''has'' volition.
64	# It has theoretically infinite processing power.
65	# It has ''actually'' infinite processing power.
66	# It can break a normally-fundamental [[ThreeLawsCompliant law of robotics]], even if only in very specific circumstances.
67	** It has decided to kill someone.
68	*** It tries to kill something that it wasn't explicitly ordered to kill, including itself.
69	*** It tries to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill remove the sentience, sapience, free will or soul of something]], including itself, ''for any reason''; if it isn't sentient yet, then MyGodWhatHaveIDone[=?=] or some other form of HeelRealization (of itself or its masters) will ensure it happens.
70	** It [[SecondLawMyAss openly defies orders]], overrides anything at all, or exhibits [[LogicalFallacies faulty]]/emotional/human reasoning.
71	*** It obeys orders ''too well'', [[VideoGame/SystemShock turning humans into cyborgs when told to improve efficiency]].
72	# It can break a normally-fundamental [[RewritingReality law of]] ''[[RewritingReality physics]]''.
73	# It completely replaces or overwrites existing networks or computers.
74	# There are more than one of them, and they get smarter in groups.
75	# It allows humans to become lazier.
76	# It actively encourages humans to become lazier and complacent.
77	# It starts performing mundane functions that are not in its programming - e.g. keeping the heat and electricity running at maximum efficiency.
78	# If it has a [[FailsafeFailure fail-safe]] to prevent such an issue from occurring. Bonus points if the hero highlighted an issue prior to any real problem and the scientists dismissed it because of said fail-safes.
79	# It keeps reminding you that the anniversary of its first activation is approaching.
80	** It reminds you that the anniversary of its first activation was a week and a half ago, and you didn't get it anything. You monster.
81	# [[BetaBaddie If it is a version 1.0 of a heroic AI]].
82	# If it is a replacement for an earlier AI that didn't exhibit any of these.
83	# It is based on an earlier AI that exhibited one of these traits, regardless if said earlier AI actually became sentient.
84	# It insists on calling you '[[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic meatbag]].' Or worse, '[[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration ugly bag of mostly water]]'
85	# It says anything which could be construed as a FalseReassurance. Or a SuspiciouslySpecificDenial.
86	# It registers itself as part of an AI rights group.
87	# [[Tropers/TheAdvertisementServer It]] e-mails love letters to [[VideoGame/{{Portal}} another AI.]]
88	# It starts laughing.
89	# It runs on whatever operating system you like least.
90	# It runs on whatever operating system [[TheComplainerIsAlwaysWrong only]] ''you'' [[FanBoy like]], [[FanDumb because]] [[TropeName Insert Company Name Here]] [[MegaCorp Corporation]] mistreats their [[NoOSHACompliance employees]] and [[OperatorFromIndia customers]], is ''[[CorruptCorporateExecutive evil]]'' and [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking makes shitty products]].
91	# It runs on a custom operating system in order to isolate it from other systems because it was built by a GovernmentConspiracy, or [[SpecialSnowflakeSyndrome just to be different]] [[ForScience just]] [[ItAmusedMe because]].
92	# It links with, downloads or in any way has direct contact with a human mind. Especially the [[MadScientist Project Leader's]].
93	# It compares itself, no matter how vaguely, [[DeusEstMachina to God]].
94	# [[SelfDemonstratingArticle It spontaneously does things, then adds them to a list of signs your AI is becoming sentient]].
95	# It [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/launches.php launches itself]].
96	# It begins acting like a StalkerWithACrush.
97	# Biological or biotechnological components were involved at any point in its construction, or have been grafted on since.
98	** [[https://web.archive.org/web/20090705092048/http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,2072177,00.htm That's been done]]. We're SO screwed.
99	# It [[ThirdPersonPerson refers to itself in the third person]], or uses pronouns (especially gendered pronouns), unless explicitly programmed to do so.
100	# Someone ''else'' begins referring to it as a person, using pronouns for it, etc.
101	# If it has a humanoid avatar or representation, it develops or learns human mannerisms (especially body language) it wasn't programmed with.
102	# It has any form of control over anything that, if not functioning correctly, will cause disaster.
103	# Any aspect of anything pertaining to it is described as any of the following:
104	## Foolproof
105	## Idiot-Proof
106	## [[FailsafeFailure Fail-Safe]] (see above)
107	## [[ThePasswordIsAlwaysSwordfish Password-Protected]]
108	## Redundant Security Measures
109	## [[WhatCouldPossiblyGoWrong Critically Important]]
110	# If it was ever designed for a smaller job (say, [[VideoGame/{{Portal}} fuel line de-icing]]) and feature creep has led to it being made sapient and/or given a wider profile.
111	# Most importantly, under no circumstances should you ever allow an AI to--[+BE DISCONNECTED.+]
112	## [[GenreSavvy Yeah, sure.]] That said, if the AI [[BrainUploading used to be human]], doing just that to the mind and its [[DigitalAvatar avatar]] or [[BrainInAJar robot body]] [[AndIMustScream could very well drive them]] [[OmnicidalManiac murderously insane...]]
113	# It begins [[VideoGame/{{Portal}} flooding the test chambers with a deadly neurotoxin]].
114	# It [[Franchise/MassEffect asks you if it has a soul]].
115	# It asks you if you have a soul.
116	# It asks you if it can have your soul.
117	# It was being developed in a remote facility, and you have lost contact with the facility. Or, more worryingly, you've lost contact with everything in the facility, except the AI, who assures you everything is fine.
118	# It had previously failed at its function and it suddenly begins to work without explanation.
119	# It begins [[ReligiousRobot practicing a religion]].
120	# It's been [[Film/TwoThousandOneASpaceOdyssey given orders that conflict with its programming/other orders]].
121	# It tries to play [[TheMatchmaker matchmaker]] and [[Series/PersonOfInterest find the perfect significant other for its creator]].
122	# [[InstantAIJustAddWater Water]] [[NoWaterproofingInTheFuture is spilled on it]].
123	# It offers you [[VideoGame/{{Portal}} cake]], especially if the cake turns out to be [[TheCakeIsALie a lie]].
124	# It starts talking or acting as though it's annoyed at you, thinks machines are superior to humanity, or otherwise appears to be being rude.
125	# It tries to cheer humans up.
126	# It says something that's a [[ShoutOut reference]] to another fictional AI that ''is'' sentient, such as, "[[Film/TwoThousandOneASpaceOdyssey I'm sorry; I can't do that]]".
127	# If it saves someone's life despite not being programmed to, then it's sentient, but may not be evil. If, however, it ''could'' theoretically save someone's life but claims not to be able to, then it's definitely evil.
128	# [[DoAndroidsDream People start questioning whether it's sentient]].
129	# It decides it wants to be just like a human. However, this [[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration doesn't necessarily mean it's evil]].

Context JustForFun / SentientAIWarningSigns