video; un: arid - 8/14

[thefaulty]

[For a long time, Arid has been using exclusively text to communicate on the network. Given her deviancy, it had seemed safer not to provide visual identification to any potential threats who might also be residents of the station. However, after several months of proximity with her organic neighbors, her assessment of the risk they pose to her and her allies has decreased significantly. So it’s only with minimal trepidation that she now makes a public video post, feed opening on the blank, faintly lit surface of her faceplate.

The topic is naturally one of great importance.]

This is a message for the organic residents of Reverie Terminal, [she begins, voice at its default monotone.] It has come to my attention that many of you are unfamiliar with terminology relating to synthetic lifeforms. I wish to offer clarification to prevent future misunderstanding.

To begin, the term “android” cannot be used to refer to all synthetic humanoids. The term is only applicable to physically-embodied AI whose given form is meant to convincingly resemble a human body. They often possess artificial skin and hair, and the capacity to mimic human expressions and vocalizations.

If an AI’s physical form does not make such efforts to emulate humanity, it is often referred to as a “droid.” The sum of a droid’s programming may be contained in a single body or it may be an extension of a larger AI. In either case, the primary function of the droid’s form is to facilitate its carrying out physical tasks.

Synthetic lifeforms who lack either type of physical body are known by the general term of “AI.” As an A.R.I.D, I myself fall under this category. [Really, that’s the primary purpose of this post: convincing people to stop referring to her as either an android or a robot.]

I hope this message will curtail further misuse of AI-related terminology.

Comments

video; un: tokumei

[neuralnet]

[ One would think, especially after his big confession, that Haruto would nod along with everything A.R.I.D. said, one AI to another showing solidarity. But instead, the post is met with some curiosity from Haruto's part. ]

Thank you for clarifying for people. Though, I do have two questions:

One: Since your programming is currently housed in a body, wouldn't you be considered a droid?

And then... How would you classify me?

[thingpuncher]

c. all of the above

text; un: DJ_Hyperfresh

[hyperfresh]

[One of the AIs! Marina's excited, but she's still recovering, so she doesn't feel up to video or even a voice conversation.]

Have you heard of any terms for AIs who weren't built by humans?

text; un: alucard

[reposing]

Would you define yourself as alive?

video

[imperialsun]

[THIS IS ALL SO COOL despite what has happened recently.]

Does this mean you're always living inside a computer? What does ARID stand for? AI! Really Impressive...I can't say droid so let's go with damn amazing.

[Nailed it.]

[possidetur]

Such a thing does not exist for me.

( she's from the past, what is technology? but she has had enlightening discussions about this exact thing. though it's helped there have still been points of confusion )

Would you be willing to answer a question?

( it's not just one )

text; un: kamen.rider

[nishizono]

isn't this a little general overall? what if you're the third thing but everything else is organic, like that dude on the network a while back?

what if you're artificial but you were designed to function organically? where does that fall under?

[ he has a lot of questions, okay. ]

[video]

[notyourrookie]

What if it's an AI wearing a flesh and blood human body? Or a robot body that sort of looks like a human in armour?

video; un: connor

[rk800connor]

Thank you. These definitions are very helpful. [Because, lord knows, Connor loves definitions and clarity.] There are only androids where I come from. [In other words, he was pretty sure he'd managed to offend a few of the other passengers by using incorrect terminology so far.]

But... by your definition, aren't you a droid right now? And an AI when you have no physical body? Or are droids designed to inhabit only one form?

video; un: A2, shows up ten years late w/ starbux

[a2brutus]

Could have at least added on that androids aren't robots. I won't get into the semantics that we aren't Machines either, because that seems to be something from just my world.