Technological advancements in AI evoke reflections on Neal Stephenson's 1995 novel The Diamond Age. The narrative presents a fragmented society using advanced nanotechnology and AI. A notable AI device in the book, the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer, serves as an emotional and intellectual support tool for its user, Nell. Initially intended for an aristocrat's daughter, the Primer adapts to Nell’s circumstances, teaching her critical life skills, including math and social etiquette, during her transformation from a street child to a member of neo-Victorian society.
The Diamond Age depicted a post-cyberpunk sectarian future, in which society is fragmented into tribes, called phyles. In this future world, sophisticated nanotechnology is ubiquitous, and a new type of AI is introduced.
The AI that's portrayed, particularly a teaching device called the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer, raises serious issues about the role of AI in labor, learning and human behavior.
The Primer provides Nell personalized emotional, social and intellectual support during her journey to adulthood, serving alternatively as an AI companion, a storyteller, a teacher and a surrogate parent.
It educates her on everything from math to cryptography to martial arts and teaches her the proper social etiquette to blend into neo-Victorian society.
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