The rise of artificial intelligence has taken the internet by surprise, with its rapid advancement leading to widespread concern about its potential to replace human workers. A recent viral video, featuring characters from the classic cartoon ‘Tom and Jerry’, has added fuel to this anxiety. The video depicts Tom, the cat, being replaced by a robotic cat named Mechano, which successfully catches Jerry. Tom, feeling dejected and unemployed, ultimately leaves the house.
The video was shared on Twitter by Indian Administrative Service officer Supriya Sahu, who drew a parallel between Tom’s job loss and the current threat to human jobs posed by AI. “60 years ago, Tom was the first one to lose his job because of Machines and Artificial Intelligence. Now #TomandJerry #Wednesdayvibes,” she wrote in the caption.
In the video, Tom’s owner introduces him to Mechano, the “cat of tomorrow,” who is touted as being “clean, efficient, dependable” and requires “no feeding, no fussing, and no fur.” After being switched on, Mechano successfully catches Jerry, leaving Tom without a job. The video ends with Tom packing his bags and leaving the house, conveying a sense of despair over his job loss.
Since being shared, the video has amassed over 35,000 views and has sparked discussions about the accuracy of the video’s predictions. Some users pointed out that the video is a testament to the ability of authors and poets to predict the future, while others noted that the video ultimately shows the robotic cat failing and the owner wanting Tom back.
Regardless of the various interpretations of the video, its significance lies in its reflection of the anxieties that accompany technological progress. With AI rapidly evolving and becoming more advanced, it is reasonable for people to worry about the impact it could have on their jobs and livelihoods. However, it is important to recognize that technology has also created new jobs and opportunities, and that humans have the capacity to adapt and learn new skills.
The discussion around AI and its impact on employment is ongoing, and it is crucial for individuals and policymakers to consider the potential consequences of AI and take steps to mitigate any negative effects. As the video from ‘Tom and Jerry’ demonstrates, the issue of AI and job displacement is not a new one, and it is up to society to navigate this rapidly changing landscape.
Are there any more cases of Artificial Intelligence Predictions on old Cartoons?
While the concept of AI may seem futuristic, there are actually several examples of AI predictions in old cartoons.
The Jetsons
This animated TV series, which aired in the 1960s, was set in a futuristic world where robots were commonplace. The show featured Rosie, the Jetson family’s robotic maid, who was capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Today, we have robots that are designed to clean our homes and perform various other chores, just like Rosie.
The Simpsons
This popular TV series has often made predictions about future technology, and artificial intelligence is no exception. In one episode, Lisa Simpson creates a sentient computer program that becomes so advanced that it takes over the world. While we haven’t seen anything quite like this in real life, it’s not hard to imagine the potential dangers of an AI system that becomes too intelligent.
Transformers
This iconic cartoon from the 1980s featured sentient robots that were capable of transforming into vehicles and other objects. While these robots were fictional, they paved the way for real-life robots that can perform complex tasks and move in ways that were once thought impossible.
The Iron Giant
This animated film tells the story of a giant robot that crash-lands on Earth and befriends a young boy. While the Iron Giant is not technically an AI, it does exhibit many characteristics of artificial intelligence, such as the ability to learn and make decisions.
WALL-E
This beloved Pixar film is set in a future where Earth has become uninhabitable, and the only remaining life form is a trash compactor robot named WALL-E. While WALL-E doesn’t have the advanced capabilities of some of the other AI systems on this list, it does showcase the potential for robots to develop their own personalities and emotions.