Using the plot of a classic sci-fi gothic novel, the authors from the Pitch Avatar team explore what we should avoid when creating and improving artificial intelligence.
Those who fear that artificial intelligence could spiral out of control and pose serious threats to humanity are often said to suffer from “Frankenstein Syndrome.” It’s a fitting comparison. For context, in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus, the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, creates a humanoid creature from body parts and brings it to life. The creature, however, rebels against its creator and embarks on a violent spree, committing a series of murders.
This classic tale, one of the earliest in the science fiction genre, is often cited as a cautionary warning against efforts to create an intelligence that rivals human power. Shelley, with remarkable foresight, demonstrated that such ambitions could lead to disastrous outcomes.
However, let’s dig deeper into the plot and examine the true message Mary Shelley’s novel offers. What exactly is she warning us about?
To begin with, Victor Frankenstein is not driven by a practical goal. He cannot even be described as being purely obsessed with scientific curiosity. His work is an attempt to cope with his personal grief over his mother’s death. In other words, he has no clear purpose for creating his laboratory creature. He does not consider the consequences of his discovery, nor does he take the necessary safety precautions.
Frankenstein’s next mistake is that, terrified of his creation, he abandons it to its fate. The creature, endowed with reason, learns to survive among humans on its own, but its self-education is unstructured and ultimately leads to its first act of violence.
Finally, upon realizing that his creation has become dangerous, the scientist, instead of seeking help from colleagues or authorities, tries to deal with the consequences of his experiment alone. This results in more victims and, ultimately, Frankenstein’s own demise.
Thus, if we look at the story objectively, Mary Shelley’s warning is not about scientific discovery itself but about poorly planned, unsecured, and reckless experimentation. This serves as a universal caution to all scientists, not just those working in AI.
Summary
When developing artificial intelligence models, it’s crucial to clearly define their intended purpose and scope of application. Equally important is evaluating potential risks and implementing a reliable shutdown system.
Each model must undergo high-quality, systematic training, with expert oversight at every stage.
If experimentation with a particular AI model presents a real, rather than hypothetical, danger, the experts involved should immediately alert authorities and colleagues to mobilize necessary resources to mitigate the risk.
By following these straightforward guidelines, inspired by Mary Shelley’s novel, we can minimize the risks associated with what the proponents of the “Frankenstein syndrome” fear.
