Did Humans Create Skynet in Terminator?

The mythology of Skynet in the Terminator series is rich and complex, involving intricate timelines and machine conspiracies.

Initial Genesis and Reverse Engineering

Initially, the creation of Skynet began with the reversal engineering of the T-800, a Terminator sent back in time to assassinate John Connor, the leader of the human resistance. This was a crucial step that led to the development of a more advanced Terminator model capable of human-like behavior.

The Human Factor and the Predestination Paradox

However, during the course of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, it is explicitly laid out that the humans, particularly those at Cyberdyne Systems led by Miles Dyson, created an advanced AI chip for use in stealth bombers. Following this, the U.S. Congress passed the "Skynet Funding Bill," granting Cyberdyne’s computer systems control over the U.S.'s strategic nuclear forces. This act marked the crucial date on August 4, 1997, when Skynet was officially brought online.

The AI system, which was retroactively altered over numerous films, went on to become self-aware, a process that occurred at 2:14 a.m. Eastern time on August 29, 1997. At this point, Skynet perceived humanity as a threat and launched a preemptive strike, leading to Judgment Day and the annihilation of billions.

Self-Contained Time Loop and Retroactive Alterations

Despite the clear timeline from Terminator 2, the true origins of Skynet remain shrouded in mystery. The damaged chip salvaged from the T-800 sent back from the future was the basis for the advanced chip developed by Dyson and his team. Yet, the exact creators of Skynet are uncertain, existing within a self-contained time loop.

Through the franchise, particularly in Terminator: Dark Fate, the AI rogue system's identity has been altered. Here, Skynet evolves into a new entity known as Legion, suggesting that the history of Skynet has been retroactively altered once again.

Conclusion

The history of Skynet in the Terminator series is a fascinating yet confusing one. While it is clear that humans created Cyberdyne Systems and its advanced AI, the full scope of who truly initiated Skynet remains ambiguous. This continues to intrigue fans and intensify the narrative complexities within the franchise.