How a 2013 Movie Accurately Predicted Today’s Technology: Discover What Came True!

It’s been twelve years since Spike Jonze’s film, Her, hit the screens. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Scarlett Johansson, this movie is a sci-fi romantic tale set in a near-future Los Angeles. It tells the story of Theodore Twombly (played by Phoenix), an introverted writer who feels isolated while crafting letters for others. His life takes a turn when he buys a cutting-edge AI operating system called OS1, which becomes Samantha (voiced by Johansson).

At its core, Her is a touching exploration of love and connection, sparking discussions about humanity and technology’s future. When we first saw the film in 2013, we noted several predictions about technology and our lives. Interestingly, many of them are now quite real.

Let’s dive into what Her got right and what still feels far off.

Goodbye, Letter Writing

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In Her, Theodore is a ghostwriter, creating heartfelt letters for others. We thought that one day, people would simply hire others to write for them. Well, we were partly right. Nowadays, AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude handle a lot of this work.

Many still hire ghostwriters for personal tasks that need a human touch, like wedding speeches. While AI shines in areas where feeling isn’t essential, it can’t replace a skilled writer.

That said, people have embraced chatbots for various writing tasks, making them a common tool. This trend has raised concerns among educators, as many students opt for AI help instead of crafting their own essays.

Verdict: True

Where Are the Cars?

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A curious aspect of Her is the lack of cars, showcasing a greater focus on public transport. However, the reality is cars still fill our roads. While electric vehicles have gained popularity and public transport improved, traffic remains a daily struggle.

Cities are becoming more pedestrian-friendly, with apps like Uber making car-free living easier. Yet, many of us still find ourselves stuck in gridlock.

Verdict: False

Keyboards, What Keyboards?

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In Her, technology relies solely on voice commands. While we’ve made strides in voice recognition, the keyboard and mouse are still indispensable today. The latest advancements have improved voice controls, but a keyboard is still very much in use.

Voice assistants have become more integrated, allowing hands-free operation for various tasks. Yet, a completely voice-operated world is still a dream.

Verdict: Partially true

The Color Red

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The vibrant red palette in Her was striking. While some tech has embraced red tones, it hasn’t taken over the market. Instead, classic shades like silver, black, and white remain the most popular.

Verdict: False

Classier Advertising?

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In Jonze’s vision, marketing was subtle and artistic. While some brands have leaned into this minimalist approach, many others bombard us with ads everywhere, from pop-ups online to countless billboards in our cities.

So, while some advertisements have improved, many are still intrusive and annoying.

Verdict: False

Earpieces for All

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In Her, all interaction is through a single earpiece. While earpieces are popular today, most people opt for wireless earbuds that allow for a better music experience.

While voice commands are gaining traction, the reality is we’re more dependent on our screens than ever. Theodore’s world doesn’t rely on visible screens, while we certainly do.

Verdict: Partially true

The Future of Gaming

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Theodore’s gaming experience in Her features immersive holographs rather than traditional screens. This technology is evolving, with devices like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 making holographic gaming a possibility. However, this tech isn’t yet on par with what we see in the film.

Still, as we advance, we could very well reach a point similar to what Her envisioned.

Verdict: Partially true

Tech Meets Fashion

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We’ve seen a shift in how tech looks over the years, aligning more with the sleek designs featured in Her. Today’s tech is more stylish and less obtrusive, with wearables like smartwatches and glasses gaining popularity.

Our devices now blend seamlessly into our lives, enhancing without overwhelming. The interconnectedness of gadgets has propelled us toward a more unified experience.

Right now, technology aims to support our lives without intruding. Voice assistants help manage tasks and reduce clutter. Though we’re still navigating the complexities of privacy with AI, we’ve grown significantly since 2013.

Verdict: True

Can AI Love?

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Her delves into a deep emotional space where a lonely man falls for an AI. Although technology has advanced, the essence persists: a human’s emotional attachment to something artificial.

While AI like Samantha can learn and adapt, it still lacks true consciousness. Today’s AI mimics interactions but doesn’t experience emotions.

As AI continues to evolve, concepts from Her become more relatable. While AI companions may simulate friendship, they remain one-sided, not capable of genuine emotion.

Despite advancements, AI love is largely imaginary. The boundaries between human feelings and AI capabilities still exist, though they can feel blurred at times.