I chose the topic of the blurred lines between robots and humans, because I am very interested in the topic of equality, and in the future, the fight for robot equality will be a large issue. In many of the movies and shows we watched, and the literature we read, the robots were not treated as equals. To me, it's interesting to watch these pieces and see how similar to us these machines truly are. I chose this topic because it seemed most relevant to the near future, and the possible issues we as a planet will have to work on.
Before I researched the topic, I did not know too much about robots. My main focus of science fiction has always been extraterrestrials. The only knowledge I had was my vague recollection of the movie Short Circuit, and that web video of the robot walking on the treadmill to the song, "Staying Alive". There was a lot for me to learn.
My research questions were: what is it that makes us humans, and going along with that, can we program robots to have it? Our topic was the blurred boundaries between humans and machines, so I wanted to figure out what the big difference between us is.
To find my information, I used Twilight Zone episodes, the movie, I, Robot, and literature pieces. For me, the Twilight Zone episodes provided the most help in showing the different situations robots can be in, whilst coexisting with humans. The other piece that gave me a lot of information was the movie I, Robot. This one gave me a lot to think about because it showcased robots with and without feelings and free will. There is definitely a real difference between the two, and I came to the conclusion from the media I viewed that they should be treated accordingly.
I learned that robots are all very different, and there is no set rules on how you should expect them to act. Each robot is an individual, and should be treated as such. As strange as it is to say, robots should be given the same opportunities to humans, and if they're evil, they should be allowed to express that, and then be reprimanded. Humans are given that luxury, every day. However, some robots have no thoughts or free will, and are about as responsive as a toaster. As a result, they do not need to be treated equally, necessarily.
My research could make a difference in the future, when people are deciding how to treat robots. Equality is important, and I don't think that many people will think to make the robots equal to humans, but I think it will be a very important thing for us to do. All in all, my research made a difference to me, because I realized that no two robots are exactly alike, and in the future, we should all learn to live peacefully and kindly amongst one another.