This 2013 movie predicted the future of technology. Here’s what became reality.
The successful movie "Her" by Spike Jonze made bold assumptions about what technology would be like in the future. Surprisingly, many of those claims have come true.
Twelve years have passed since Spike Jonze's successful film, Her, premiered in theaters. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Scarlett Johansson, this romantic science fiction work is set in a near-future Los Angeles. The plot follows Theodore Twombly (Phoenix), an introverted writer living a solitary existence who makes his living writing letters for other people. His life takes an unexpected turn when he decides to acquire an advanced artificial intelligence operating system called OS1, later known as Samantha (Johansson). Her presents a poignant narrative that weaves together themes of love, connection, and what it means to be human, while also making bold predictions about the future of technology.
Upon revisiting the film in 2013, a list was created of aspects that could become a reality inspired by the movie. Surprisingly, several of them have become commonplace today. Below, we will explore what Jonze's film got right and what is still far from materializing.
In the film, the protagonist earns a living writing letters for others. This idea led us to assume that in the future, no one would be obligated to write their own letters, as we would hire someone to do it. While that vision isn't entirely accurate, many now use chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude to create their content, although there are still those who hire writers for more delicate tasks that require a human touch. Of course, AI-assisted creativity is now common, but a good writer's skill is still held in high regard.
Regarding transportation, the film showcases a Los Angeles where cars are nearly non-existent, emphasizing the use of public transport. However, in current reality, cars still dominate the streets, even though improvements like electric vehicles and a focus on eco-friendly solutions have emerged. Although cities have better transportation systems and pedestrian zones, car dependence continues, and much time is spent stuck in traffic.
Another interesting aspect is the utilization of voice devices instead of keyboards. In Her, it is assumed that interaction with technology occurs solely through voice commands. While significant advances have been made in voice recognition, we still have not completely abandoned the use of keyboards and mice. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa allow for hands-free interactions, but a fully voice-controlled experience still seems distant.
The predominance of the color red in the film also stands out, but in current reality, color palettes for technological devices have not drastically changed; colors like black, white, and silver continue to dominate.
Regarding advertising, while Her presented a more minimalist and less invasive approach, current reality shows that we are inundated with ads and pop-ups, making this prediction unfulfilled. Advertising saturation has returned robustly, with even phone spam coming from bots that deceive the ear.
Devices that require a single audio piece to control the system have become more common, although today it is more common to see wireless earbuds like AirPods. However, dependence on screens has intensified, a notable contrast to Theodore's simpler life.
The idea of holographic video games is also closer to current reality, with devices like the Apple Vision Pro on the way to offering similar experiences. However, the use of bulky headsets and controllers demonstrates that we are still in the early stages of this technology.
Over the years, the intersection between technology and fashion has evolved. Devices have transitioned from bulky gadgets to sleek and discreet accessories that integrate into various lifestyles. This trend toward "technology as a fashion statement" is a reality and reflects what was depicted in the film.
Finally, the concept of "AI love" is explored in Her through Theodore and Samantha's relationship. While artificial intelligence has advanced and there is an illusion of emotional interaction, today's virtual assistants lack consciousness and the ability to develop genuine feelings. As interactions with AI-driven technology increase, the film remains an unsettling reflection of our technological evolution, reminding us that, while we may enjoy the company of AI, it remains just a computer program based on data.
