Artificial intelligence & Computer Hacking, Ireland 1987

Young people discuss new technology uses, computer hacking and what artificial intelligence might do for our lives.

Computers will be part of the workplace in the future, but some young people write computer programmes and hack into games and systems.

Jane works in graphic design and believes that it is one area that has benefited from computer technology, and is set to expand.

John works in the area of expert systems and explains that,

The object of artificial intelligence is to simulate the human brain.

These systems will be of benefit to humanity. Medical diagnosis systems could be used in the absence of a healthcare professional, particularly in developing countries.

Will humans trust a computer with their health? John believes that the technology will more likely be used to support the work of medical professionals.

Catherine works for a company that has developed a portable computer. The user can access data stored on a company mainframe computer using a telephone line. This will benefit people whose jobs include travel, and is as simple a process as,

Making a phone call and getting that information.

This episode of 'Nothing To It’ was broadcast on 12 October 1987.
The studio presenter is Pauline McLynn.

‘Nothing To It’ was a humorous programme about job-seeking for teenagers.

It followed three young fictitious characters, portrayed by Pauline McLynn, Mikel Murfi and Veronica Coburn, as they examined different types of employment categories.

Produced by Anne McCabe, with Gerard Stembridge as the series producer, it is described in the RTÉ Guide as a series which "attempts to mix the more fictional items with the factual repercussions, something that strives to strike the current balance" (RTÉ Guide, 6 November 1987, p.8).
First broadcast on 5 October 1987, it ran for one series.