Frankenstein complex

Definition

The fear that an artificial intelligence will turn against humans.

Etymology

Coined by American science fiction author Isaac Asimov in 1947 in his novelette Little Lost Robot. From Victor Frankenstein, the title character of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein (1818).

Example Sentences

• "I'll admit that this Frankenstein Complex you're exhibiting has a certain justification—hence the First Law in the first place."
• "Mr. Graf, you're still disturbed. You sure you're not harboring just a little of the old Frankenstein complex about all this? It's all right to admit it to me—in fact, I want you to talk about it."
• "The central character of Mary Shelley's novel by the same name 'Frankenstein' is used as an adjective in a variety of biomedical contexts, eg Frankenstein complex The fear that machines via artificial intelligence may replace physicians"