7 Ways Technology Could Kill Us All, As Told By Hollywood

We have bestowed technology with the task of improving our lives, and as technology becomes more intertwined with our lives, it becomes a danger to mankind as well. So what happens when technology fails us? Could technology really result in the end of all humanity?

If you’ve watched a few Hollywood flicks lately, it might not be too difficult to envision. A popular theme focuses on highlighting the consequences of technology, usually having technology posing all of humanity with a serious problem while our hero is tasked with saving all of us from extinction.

But even though Hollywood tends to throw in many over-the-top elements with mind-blowing explosions and jaw-dropping acts of heroics, these movies do portray serious potential issues that humanity may face in the future.

Will we be prepared and can we handle the consequences?

1. Nuclear War – WarGames

In WarGames, a computer geek and hacker meets up with a cute girl, and he, of course, impresses her by hacking into a military game system, WOPR, which runs games that simulate various war scenarios. Little does this juvenile know that he is putting the U.S. government on high alert, ready to go to war with an artificial enemy. Thankfully, seconds before an all-out nuclear war becomes reality, our hacker manages to convince the government that it is all a game and peace is restored.

In 1945, an estimated 200,000 people perished as a result of two atomic bombings in Japan. Today, the United States and Russia have promised recently to reduce the amount of active nuclear warheads in the world to around 1,500 total. That’s a great amount of progress, but that is still at least 1,500 opportunities for something to go horribly wrong. There is also no telling how many nuclear weapons have been lost, sold to other nations, or simply failed to be accounted for. All it takes is one person (or hacker) to change the world forever.

2. Global Warming – The Day After Tomorrow

In The Day After Tomorrow, a small group of paleoclimatologists discover that polar ice is melting, ocean temperatures are dropping, and currents are changing. This ultimately leads to a series of events that forever change Earth’s landscape. Unable to convince governments around the world of the danger, mother Earth unleashes her wrath on civilization. As it turns out, it wasn’t the end, but those who were spared are left with a grim reminder of how fragile our planet can be.

The most talked about problems with our planet lately involve Global Warming, an issue that is hotly debated. But regardless of what side you’re on, it’s obvious that Earth’s people and technology are doing more damage than good to the only planet we know of that can support human life. From oil leaks in the Gulf by failed drilling attempts to increased amounts of emissions from gas guzzling vehicles on the road, it’s not looking too good and surely won’t get any better anytime soon.

3. Pollution – Wall-E

In Pixar’s Wall-E animation film, the robot Wall-E, a robot that is left on our planet to clean up humanity’s mess, is surprised by a visit from another robot that is searching for plant life on Earth. After finding proof of plant life, the task of returning it turns out to be more complicated than one would imagine. However, the humans eventually return to Earth to start over, hopefully learning from past mistakes.

Take a look on the side of many streets leading to a city, and you will see trash. Take a look at the sky in any industrialized city, and you will see dirty, polluted air. Take a look at a lake right in the middle of that very city, and you will see dirty water. It’s all pollution, and it is all a result of our laziness when it comes to properly managing and discarding technological waste. Earth has been giving warning signs, but people seemingly ignore them. How bad does it have to get before people and governments change?

4. Genetic Testing – I Am Legend

In I Am Legend, a cure for cancer turns into a nightmare of global proportions. After a failed attempt to contain the virus, Robert Neville is the only man left alive, endlessly searching for a cure to turn the infected back to human. The cure is found, but the ultimate price is paid.

Technological advancements in medical technology are astounding: the amount of things we have been able to do is quite impressive. But those same people developing all these cures could just as easily create a global pandemic. It is only a matter of time before a widely used drug turns lethal (or worse). But there is no telling how bad this pandemic will be.

5. “Skynet” – Terminator

In Terminator, Sarah and John Connor are the two people who know what is in store for the future. A defense system — “Skynet” — goes haywire and our own defensive technology against us. Eventually, the world suffers from nuclear fallout while the few humans left lead a resistance against the machines to take back control.

Computers and technology currently relays information and orders to military units around the world. Without computers, the ability for armed forces to operate is severely diminished. However, governments are quick to allow computers more control over making decisions. What happens if the computer system malfunctions or the computers turn against us? What if we have a “Skynet” on our hands. Could our military be prepared for such a thing?

6. Machine Takeover – The Matrix

In The Matrix, Neo, the chosen one, is brought into the real world to help defeat the machines that have overrun the planet and turned humans into power farms. But as with all computer software, there are glitches and anomalies. This is what allows Neo and friends to come in and negotiate with the machines to leave earth and restore the peace.

Our reliance on machines and artificial intelligence is constantly growing, with no end in sight. Eventually we will build robots that will do more than walk around and dance: they will be created with the task of helping people with everyday chores. Eventually, they will do our work for us. Furthermore, they will grow smarter and our efforts to make them more human-like will pay off. But the more human they become, the more risk of conflict arises. Could the machines take over?

7. Intergalactic Terrorism – Star Wars

In the well-known Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker is presented with the task of defeating the Galactic Empire and Darth Vader. The Death Star is the weapon of choice that is used to destroy planets with ease, but our hero manages to save the day.

The final scenario I present to people is, if we make it that far, intergalactic terrorism. When everyone and their grandmother owns a space ship and galactic business and trade is common, who is going to police the galaxy to defend against this form of evil? Who is going to prevent Earth from being blown to bits? Skywalker? Starship Enterprise? Doubtful.

So that was the bad news. But the good news is that we are still alive and well — so be sure to tell your friends.