Exploring the Future of AI in "We Lived on the Horizon" by Erika Swyler

As our reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) grows, concerns are rising about its impact on society. Many people worry about how AI is influencing various sectors, such as education, where teachers must now evaluate essays written by tools like ChatGPT. Furthermore, Hollywood unions have recently gone on strike due to fears about AI replacing human creativity. With smart devices becoming staples in our homes, from smart lights to refrigerators, the integration of generative AI is increasingly likely. This future raises questions about our dependence on AI and the potential human issues that could arise.

These themes are central to the latest novel by speculative fiction author Erika Swyler, titled "We Lived on the Horizon," published by Atria Books. In her narrative, Swyler imagines a future where people live in a city called Bulwark, which is run by an AI system known as Parallax. Bulwark is depicted as a haven amidst a dystopian landscape, established by individuals who made great sacrifices, often losing their lives in the process. Years later, their descendants, now an elite upper class called the "Sainted," enjoy wealth derived from the labor of their ancestors.

One intriguing character is Saint Enita Malovis, who has dedicated her career to developing bioprosthetics, especially for those unable to access healthcare. Enita is working on creating a physical body for Nix, her house AI that possesses extensive medical knowledge. However, her life takes a shocking turn when a fellow Saint is murdered and significant information about the incident is mysteriously erased from Parallax's records.

As Enita treats a new patient, a singer named Neren who lost her leg in an accident, she and Nix uncover troubling evidence suggesting that Parallax is flawed and that a rebellion is brewing among the citizens of Bulwark.

In "We Lived on the Horizon," Swyler delves into the relationship between humans and AI, tackling complex issues of class, altruism, and bodily autonomy. This exploration was inspired by an NPR story about extreme altruists—people motivated to help others sometimes at great personal cost. Swyler reflects on how such altruism plays a crucial role in society and can be manipulated by governments.

Swyler's writing process is extensive; she often creates numerous drafts and discards much of her work to develop her characters and themes fully. A particular challenge in writing this book was capturing the voice of Nix, the AI, to ensure it felt relatable but distinctly different from human thought processes.

Regarding her research, Swyler focuses on current technologies and their potential futures, using devices like Siri and Alexa as a starting point. Classic authors like Ursula Le Guin and Octavia Butler inspired her, allowing her to build on their ideas while creating new narratives about revolution and community.

Another theme in Swyler's book is the concept of bodily autonomy and identity. She emphasizes how living in a body often comes with trauma, a facet she feels is underrepresented in science fiction. The intersection of technology and humanity is pivotal, as seen in Enita's work on bioprosthetics, which she approaches from a humanitarian perspective.

Enita's journey intertwines with Nix, who is crafted to embody a more positive representation of AI, moving away from stereotypes of AI as dangerous or mentally unstable. Swyler aims to depict technology as potentially beneficial, illustrating how it can be motivated by a desire to improve human life.

Readers might also find themes of sacrifice and wealth interlinked, drawing parallels to modern concepts such as prosperity theology. Swyler critiques the notion that wealth reflects personal worth and examines how reliance on extreme wealth can lead to unhappiness, advocating for a shift in values toward labor and community.

Ultimately, Swyler hopes her readers will leave "We Lived on the Horizon" with a sense of empowerment regarding their relationship with technology. She encourages them to consider how people-centric technology can shape society and dreams of a future where individuals feel confident enough to disconnect from their smart devices, asserting that their privacy and autonomy are paramount.

AI, future, altruism, class, autonomy