EMA follows a young man attending a conference held by his idol, the creator of a complex AI system designed to save Earth’s ecosystem, who uncovers information that could have massive implications for the fate of humanity. What was...
Aian D. Grey Author InterviewEMA follows a young man attending a conference held by his idol, the creator of a complex AI system designed to save Earth’s ecosystem, who uncovers information that could have massive implications for the fate of humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Throughout my career, I’ve been working in applied research and innovation within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), as I am currently serving as the research director of an applied research center in Quebec City, the subjects explored in my book, particularly the intersection of technology and the environment, have always held a special place in my heart. During the COVID crisis, I took the opportunity to delve deeper into AI and its connections with human intelligence, culminating in my essay titled “Mixed Intelligence.”
Given my profound interest in science fiction literature, the idea of crafting my own novel naturally took root. The emergence of ChatGPT brought the topic of AI’s role in our society to the forefront, prompting me to synthesize my passions and align them with contemporary trends. In doing so, I set out to create my book.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
EMA serves as a parable addressing the role artificial intelligence should play in our society. In the contemporary era, there is a tendency to place unquestioning reliance on technology to resolve issues like the environmental crisis, often dismissing behavioral changes that might impact our quality of life. Through EMA‘s compelling narrative, the story seeks to raise awareness about the risks associated with exclusive reliance on AI. It prompts contemplation about a potential future where major corporations dictate our actions, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration in our technological decisions.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As previously noted, the pivotal themes explored in the book revolve around the hazards associated with dependence on technologies such as AI to resolve our challenges. Additionally, the narrative underscores the significance of diminishing our consumption as an essential step towards navigating the climate crisis successfully.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes, I’ve commenced the writing of my second book, titled ‘POL,’ which delves into the perils of AI for our democracy. The narrative unfolds two years after the conclusion of the first book, where an economic crisis is intensified by the repercussions of EMA’s decision. The storyline revolves around the same characters as they endeavor to outmaneuver a burgeoning new dictatorship on the global stage.
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Year 2084. The Earth has warmed by more than two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times. Governments have tried, in vain, to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our impact on the environment.Damien Minsky, a genius inventor, has created EMA: an artificial intelligence designed to monitor and control the ecological consequences of our consumer society. Thanks to its integrated economic system, “the cryptonomy,” it ensures that our needs are met while respecting our planet’s limited resources. Ultimately, it will enable the human race to live in balance with nature.
Jason Webb, a great admirer of Minsky, is attending one of his conferences in Montreal when an attack occurs. Shaken, he sets out to find the perpetrators. His incredible discoveries will have implications for the fate of all humanity. He is drawn into an adventure where cyberpirates and megalomaniacs meet in the Metaverse.