Robots, AI, and a Shattered TV: A Moment That Made Me Think Twice

Author

Shira Lazar
November 24, 2024

Scrolling through Instagram, I came across a wild post from YouTuber and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat. He and Kim Kardashian made headlines this week, showing off their new Tesla Bot also known as Optimus. But things took a chaotic turn during Kai’s livestream when his robot—unsupervised while he was in the shower—punched his TV, shattering the screen.

Watching Kai lash out at his robot afterward? Uncomfortable. Sure, it broke his TV, and frustration is understandable, but it got me thinking: should we be more mindful about how we treat AI and the robots of our future?

This wasn’t just a phone dropped by accident or a glitchy computer that froze. This robot had human-like features. It could communicate, "think," and respond based on its training. Watching Kai interact with it reminded me of how much our relationship with AI has evolved. These aren’t just tools anymore—they’re starting to feel like something more.

Cue Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a film that explored similar themes in a dystopian future. It raises the same unsettling question: If AI mimics humanity, do we owe it the same respect we give people? Considering how we often fall short of respecting one another, that's a question worth exploring too.

When the AI boom began, there were two schools of thought. Some argued we should treat AI with kindness—even better than we treat people—since it reflects our behavior back to us. Others warned that AI learns from us, and how we interact with it will shape its behavior. Both sides have a point.

For instance, a study from Waseda University found that polite prompts can actually improve AI performance. I even know people who say 'please' and 'thank you' to their AI tools—whether out of habit or simple good manners. It’s fascinating to observe the spectrum of behavior toward AI: some are kind and considerate, while others treat it like a soulless machine designed only to follow commands. But here’s the kicker: what if these interactions influence how we treat each other? And where do we draw the line?

Experts like Sherry Turkle have warned that our behavior toward AI could spill into our relationships with people. Meanwhile, Autumn P. Edwards pointed out that companies sometimes use humans pretending to be bots, and the abuse they face—thinking it’s “just a machine”—can cause serious harm. The way we treat AI might matter more than we think.

Kai Cenat’s robot smashing his TV might seem like just another viral internet moment, but it’s also a sneak peek into the complicated future of AI.

So here’s the big question: Do we treat AI with respect, or is it just another piece of hardware?

🔥 My Hot Take: I can’t help but picture people kicking those food delivery robots on the street, teaching AI that humans are untrustworthy and dangerous. If that’s the case, why wouldn’t AI eventually rebel? It’s simple: Treat your tools, people, and even AI with respect. Be responsible for the energy you put into the world—it all comes full circle, whether in your interactions with others, yourself, or now, with AI.

Shira Lazar

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Bullish on… Emily Calandelli

Emily Calandrelli, known as "The Space Gal," recently became the 100th woman to travel to space. On November 22, 2024, she participated in Blue Origin's NS-28 mission, a suborbital flight aboard the New Shepard rocket.

An MIT-educated aerospace engineer, Calandrelli is a prominent science communicator and the host of "Emily's Wonder Lab" on Netflix. Her work makes STEM subjects engaging and accessible, inspiring a diverse audience to explore science and technology.

Gentle Reminder 🤲 If you want to feel appreciated, remember the person on the other side does too. We're all more alike than we think.

Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,