Imagine an evening with Lieutenant Commander Data

Imagine spending an evening with Lieutenant Commander Data of the USS Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Data is an android, not a robot, especially on the outside, because an android looks deceptively like a human.

A robot is not designed to look human; it is created to perform a specific task and is equipped accordingly. Think, for example, of the large industrial robots used in manufacturing. These are independent machines, no matter how complicated their technology.

An android has a different role, especially one as advanced as Lieutenant Commander Data. His appearance may take some getting used to, but he is perfectly human. In addition, he has a positronic brain which, roughly speaking, enables the android to learn. As in the biological model, synapses form, creating an ever-expanding network that can implement experience and apply and vary what has been learned. In this sense, Data would be a complete replacement for a human companion. He is familiar with the rules that underpin the social structure of our society and is friendly. However, he has no feelings and is entirely subject to logical processes.

"Oh no", you might think, "what am I supposed to do with a completely unfeeling counterpart?" The answer would probably be: "That depends on what you expect from your counterpart." Data can discuss any subject that is important to you. His brain contains virtually all the libraries in the world. You would be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable interlocutor.

"But isn't it boring to let the mind do all the talking on a nice evening?" might be another objection. Well, boring maybe – but definitely stress-free. They enter the café chosen as the meeting place and are greeted by Data. And because he is not insecure, he will appear friendly and calm. He perceives you as a person, he is not able to judge your appearance.

As he has no emotionally coloured memories, he will not associate any emotions with your appearance. Example: Someone may not like people with red hair because they were terrorised by a red-haired classmate at school. This is impossible with Data. He accepts what he sees without questioning it or making emotional comparisons. As a result, you will lose your insecurity.

Data will remain completely objective and will see no reason to demonstrate his superiority because he lacks the emotional drive. Because he approaches things in a completely logical way, you will not feel attacked and there will be no reason to hurt or offend you in any way. Such behaviour usually comes from a sense of inadequacy about oneself – but as this is in the realm of feelings, it will not occur. This means that you will have a wonderfully relaxed evening with extremely interesting conversation.

He will have no reason to refuse you anything, especially since Data thinks logically. If he thought something was in any way dangerous to your safety, his objections would be perfectly logical and could not lead to an argument. The fear of losing face, the ingrained fear of being belittled, and the constant need to be on guard against veiled insults are completely eliminated. There are no embarrassing pauses in conversation, nor any pretence of a state of mind that does not actually exist.

Since Data is completely honest – lying is impossible – you can be honest too, and there is no need to play the usual repertoire if you want to make the best possible impression. Since the android doesn't give compliments, there's no need for superficial flattery.

As you can see, almost all the unpleasant aspects of a first date are a matter of emotion and are completely eliminated. Do you want his phone number? Sure, have you got a pen and paper?

© 'Imagine an evening with Lieutenant Commander Data. No fear of emotions': A short story by Pressenet (translated by Izabel Comati), 01/2025. Image credit: Cyborg Robot, CC0 (Public Domain Licence).