Short Circuit

Work Title: Short Circuit
Medium: Film
Episode Title:
Year: 1986
Writer(s): Brent Maddock
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): S.S. Wilson
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

from imdb.com Number 5, one of a group of experimental military robots, undergoes a sudden transformation after being struck by lightning. He develops self-awareness, consciousness, and a fear of the reprogramming that awaits him back at the factory. With the help of a young woman, Number 5 tries to evade capture and convince his creator that he has truly become alive. Written by Jean-Marc Rocher {rocher@fiberbit.net}

  • Self-Written?:
  • Source Name: IMDB
  • Source URL:
Era/Year of Portrayal: present_day
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

Present day 1986.

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: Johnny 5
  • Description of the technology: Johnny 5 is a robot. He is mobile, moving on treads, and can move quite quickly. He is at least 5 feet tall, and taller when fully extended. He views through 2 eye likes portals, protected by blinders. People speak to him, and he responds. He can read English. He acts as if he is human, has emotions, learns quickly, and is inquisitive, friendly, and helpful.
  • Nature of task or activity: Household actvities, evading pursuers.
  • Performance of the Technology: does not function as designed, but develops personality after being struck by lightening.
  • Description of creator(s): A corporation, Nova Laboratories, for use by the military. The main designer is Newton Crosby, a white, male Ph.D. in his 30s. He is assisted by an Indian scientist, a man in his 30s, looking for women to date.
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): to make money and aid the military.
  • Description of users of technology: The main users are the scientists and Stephanie Speck, a white woman in her 20s. Steph is an animal lover, generous, and attractive.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: social_presence
  • Description of presence experience: The presence experience is fun - Johnny 5 is fun, excitable, and wants to learn.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: yes.
  • Valence of experience: pleasant
  • Specific responses: enjoyment, involvement,intense parasocial relationships, fun, friendship, teaching.
Long-term consequences:

Happy. Crosby quits his military job, and he, Steph and Johnny 5 move to Montana, where JOhnny 5 can be free and Steph can have animals.

Other:

Coder name: Amanda Scheiner
Coder email: amandags@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University