The Matrix and Tron: a Reflection on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
    While viewing the two movies, both similarities and differences were present. Upon comparing the two movies to each other, more similarities in the plot arose. From hacking into computer programs to the common theme of the main character trying to regain human power over computers, both movies explore the evolution of the digital world and its expected impact on our future.
In the 1982 movie, Tron, the main character runs inside the computer program with attempts to hack into the system. During the mission, it is revealed that the ultimate goals is to reach the control and free the system.
Likewise, in the 1999 movie, The Matrix, the plot consists of learning how to control the matrix. The main character in The Matrix sacrifices his own life to hack into the computer program in order to get rid of hackers in the system.
In both movies, the theme of computers programs taking over humanity is apparent. Similarly, the main characters who are also the heroes are enemies with the evil computers in both movies. The similar plots of the story revolve around a hero making attempts to regain ultimate human power over the machines and technology. With both main characters making it their mission to free the system, the storyline follows the characters on their journeys. In both The Matrix and Tron, computers have been designed to outsmart human brains and be able to function at higher levels than the human brain. Though at first the machinesâ capabilities seem extremely helpful and advanced, it later is clear that the ideas were preposterous to begin with. The artificial intelligence within the machines created a world in which humans were inferior to the machines they had created. Therefore, this advantage for the machines made it possible for them to rebel against humans, their original creators.
Through analyzing both movies from 34 and 17 years ago, it can be presumed about the digital world that these movies wanted to criticize the digital world we could become during a time technology rapidly advanced. Both stories intimated the dangers of the evolving digital-based world we had coming. The elements mentioned in the movies relate to our understanding of the personal computer in a negative way. In both scenarios, it can be implied that the dangers and negative outcomes of the sudden advancement in the computers and programs were demonstrated. By carrying along the recurring theme of computers outsmarting and becoming more powerful than humanâs, their original creators, the caveats of the future were made clear to the viewer.
Both movies, The Matrix and Tron, are very similar. Not only do both movies have a main character that is trying to hack and free the system of evil computers and their programs, but they also revolve around the theme of technology. Both movies raise the point of artificial intelligence and its possible dangers to the future of the world. By living in a world full of personal computers that are now becoming smarter than us and are capable of thinking more at more complex levels than any brain, we may soon find ourselves in similar situations as Thomas Anderson and Kevin Flynn did.
