The Matrix (2 of 2)

Work Title: The Matrix (2 of 2)
Medium: Film
Episode Title:
Year: N/A
Writer(s): N/A N/A
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

None given

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

None given

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: The Matrix, The Construct
  • Description of the technology: "The Matrix" is a simulation that is used to supress humanity. It simulates earth in 1999 (its never clear if the simulation loops). Its a form of passive neural interface, humans are kept in tanks and there is a direct neural implant in to the skull. The Matrix is created and animated by AIs, but it is possible for humans in the "real world" to tap in to the Matrix. "The Construct" is mentioned in the 1st film. It is a simulation that generates the same levels of total immersion as the matrix using a neural jack. However, it is controlled by the real humans. It is implied that the Construct is the interface to the Matrix. Humans can learn or be programmed very quickly using teaching programs within the Construct and within the Matrix. If the body is virtually hurt in the Matrix, the brain is so convinced that it dies. That Neo the main protagonist can avoid this, and can resurrect others who believe they have died is one of the main story devices. The Matrix (and implicitly the Construct) are multi-agent systems. There is a lot of talk of agent programs having free will and wanting, or not wanting, to be part of the Matrix. Part of the commentary of 2 & 3 films is about this notion of whether free-will can exist in a (presumably) deterministic computer-generated world. This is rather laboured in the 2 & 3 film, but it is mentioned as an aside in the 1st film. There is at least one more separate representation of tele-presence, though it may not have a name - it is the "flight control centre" for the Zion, where the controllers who otherwise live in squalid situations work in a bright white control space that is reminiscent of various sci-fi visions of cyberspace. This is an abstract space, whereas the Construct and the Matrix have real. It is presumably the same technology as the Construct, just with a different visual metaphor.
  • Nature of task or activity: Real life
  • Performance of the Technology: Indistinguishable from real world for the vast majority of people, apart from a few who feel that there is something uncanny about the simulation.
  • Description of creator(s): None given
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): None given
  • Description of users of technology: None given
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: both
  • Description of presence experience: The real world.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: Most are not aware, but a chosen few are aware.
  • Valence of experience: Not applicable
  • Specific responses: All
Long-term consequences:

Neutral.

Other:

Coder name: Anthony Steed
Coder email: A.Steed@cs.ucl.ac.uk
Coder affiliation: UCL