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Weird Science vs. Real Science

A Look at the 1985 Film Through a Modern Lens

Designing a human-like being via a computer was pure fantasy in 1985, but today, artificial intelligence, robotics, and science have made significant strides.
6 minutes read

In 1985, John Hughes introduced audiences to Weird Science, a coming-of-age sci-fi comedy that combined teenage awkwardness with the limitless possibilities of computers and electrical storms. Fast forward to today, and while the film remains a cult classic, its depiction of science, technology, and social interaction is wildly different from reality. Let’s take a deep dive (preferably while wearing a lab coat and safety goggles) into how the events of Weird Science compare to the world of modern science, social media, and ethical considerations.

The Premise: Designing a Woman with a Computer

Gary and Wyatt, two nerdy outcasts, use their home computer to create the perfect woman, Lisa, who miraculously comes to life after a freak electrical storm. In 1985, the idea of designing a human-like being via a computer was pure fantasy, but today, artificial intelligence and robotics have made significant strides. While we aren’t bringing mannequins to life (yet), AI-powered virtual assistants, deepfake technology, and humanoid robots like Sophia (developed by Hanson Robotics) showcase how far we’ve come.

However, there are major ethical concerns with creating sentient AI. Unlike Lisa, who exists solely to boost Gary and Wyatt’s confidence and teach them how to be cool, real-world AI is more likely to be used for customer service, medical diagnostics, or making unsettlingly accurate suggestions on Netflix. Also, in today’s world, Lisa’s mere existence would probably trigger a Congressional hearing on AI ethics and human rights faster than you can say, “What could go wrong?”

Social Media and Live Streaming: Would They Have Gone Viral?

If Weird Science took place in 2025, Gary and Wyatt wouldn’t be conducting their bizarre experiment in secrecy. Instead, they’d be live-streaming it on Twitch, posting progress updates on TikTok, and launching a Kickstarter campaign for “The Ultimate AI Girlfriend (Patent Pending).” Within hours, influencers would react to it on YouTube, while a Reddit thread debated whether Lisa was an elaborate deepfake or the beginning of the AI apocalypse.

Of course, this also raises the issue of digital footprints. In the 80s, the boys could hide Lisa from their parents and Wyatt’s terrifying brother, Chet. Today? One slip-up, and Lisa would be trending on X (#WeirdScienceHoax #AIQueen #SkynetIsHere). Also, let’s be real—if they had access to social media, Gary and Wyatt would have gotten canceled within 24 hours for creating a woman from scratch without consent.

Science Safety: The Reality of Experimentation

One of the most glaring differences between Weird Science and today’s real-world scientific standards is the complete lack of safety protocols. In 1985, the idea of two teenagers conducting a high-risk, unregulated experiment in their bedroom was comedic. Today, it would be considered reckless, illegal, and likely result in an FBI investigation.

Modern science relies on peer-reviewed research, strict ethical guidelines, and institutional oversight. If two high schoolers were attempting to “bring life” to an object, they would need expertise in bioengineering, robotics, and quantum computing—fields that require years of training, not just a Commodore 64 and a lightning bolt. Additionally, regulatory bodies like the FDA, NIH, and IRB (Institutional Review Board) would scrutinize any experiment involving artificial life. Also, OSHA would probably have something to say about running an unsupervised Frankenstein lab in your parents’ house.

Could Lisa Exist in Today’s World?

While we aren’t at the point where we can create living, breathing humans from a computer, technological advancements suggest we might eventually come close. Here’s how Lisa might manifest in today’s world:

  • AI Chatbots & Virtual Influencers: Lisa could exist as an AI-powered chatbot with an adaptive personality, similar to ChatGPT but with advanced emotional intelligence. Virtual influencers like Lil Miquela already blur the lines between real and artificial personas.

  • Humanoid Robots: Companies like Boston Dynamics and Hanson Robotics are developing increasingly sophisticated robots. A real-world Lisa might be a humanoid robot capable of mimicking human behavior. However, let’s hope she’d have better judgment than to let two awkward teens run her programming.

  • Augmented Reality & Deepfake Technology: Instead of a physical entity, Lisa might be an interactive AR projection or a deepfake avatar that appears real but exists only in digital form—essentially, the ultimate Instagram filter come to life.

However, unlike in Weird Science, such an entity would come with ethical safeguards. Scientists and developers today focus on responsible AI, ensuring creations aren’t exploited, used inappropriately, or suddenly decide to overthrow humanity.

The Cultural Shift: Nerds Rule the World

In the 1980s, nerds like Gary and Wyatt were social outcasts. Today, tech-savvy individuals are at the forefront of innovation. Figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and other Silicon Valley leaders have made it clear that intelligence and technological prowess are valuable commodities. If Weird Science were remade today, Gary and Wyatt wouldn’t be desperate for social validation—they’d be potential startup founders pitching their AI-driven project to investors on Shark Tank.

And instead of Lisa handing them cool clothes and a Porsche, she’d probably be coding an algorithm to help them get rich with crypto (which, given today’s market, might not end well).

The Influence of Weird Science on Pop Culture and Tech

Weird Science might have been pure fantasy in 1985, but its ideas subtly influenced real-world tech development. The film tapped into the idea that computers could change lives—something that has, in many ways, come true. From AI companions like Replika to the rise of virtual influencers, the concept of blending technology with human-like interactions has become a reality. The difference? Today’s AI doesn’t (yet) throw raging house parties or defy the laws of physics.

Also, let’s not forget how the film’s portrayal of women would be viewed through a modern lens. While Lisa was portrayed as intelligent and independent, she was still designed as a male fantasy. A remake today would likely explore deeper themes of consent, autonomy, and whether AI should have personal agency.

Final Thoughts: Science Fiction vs. Science Reality

Weird Science is a product of its time, embodying 80s fantasies about computers, technology, and wish fulfillment. Today, science fiction is closer to reality than ever before, but ethical considerations, regulatory oversight, and the ever-present influence of social media change how experiments unfold. If Gary and Wyatt attempted their experiment today, they wouldn’t just be dealing with an overbearing brother—they’d be navigating a world of digital scrutiny, ethical dilemmas, and technological limitations.

In short, while Weird Science remains a nostalgic, humorous take on adolescent dreams, real science demands responsibility, foresight, and a little less reliance on electrical storms to get results. And if we ever do create AI like Lisa, let’s make sure she has a say in it first.

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