Innovative AI Prototype Sparks Controversy in UK Politics
In a recent endeavor, British parliamentarian Mark Sewards, representing Leeds, introduced what he claims to be the nation’s inaugural AI prototype tailored for parliamentary functions. The announcement, however, incited a wave of scorn, primarily on social media platforms. Users on X were particularly vitriolic, labeling Sewards as “apathetic” and condemning the initiative as “appalling.”
Major news outlets derisively dismissed his “quirky” chatbot, lamenting its inability to comprehend the distinctive Leeds dialect.
Nevertheless, a dispassionate examination reveals that many politicians resort to mechanical responses when confronted with inquiries, often struggling to discern the thick accents prevalent in Northern England. At a certain juncture, a journalist from the Guardian inquired about a local issue: “My neighbour’s lad’s blocked ginnel at’t back wi an old settee and he won’t do owt about it.”
In response, the AI recommended contacting the police regarding the purportedly abandoned vehicle. While this suggestion may not have been optimal, it surpassed many standard political replies.
The 35-year-old MP is venturing into uncharted territory, using AI to enhance his professional engagement. The trend towards utilizing artificial intelligence to create digital avatars has been gaining momentum, as more individuals leverage these tools to magnify their outreach. For instance, right-wing commentator Dave Rubin has adopted an AI clone to host his YouTube program during his current hiatus.
While the ramifications of this shift include the potential for diminished authenticity and service quality, it also provides a novel avenue for individuals with constrained resources to engage with their audience, however unsettling that may appear to more traditional humans.
Admittedly, I harbor reservations regarding the unintended consequences that generative AI could usher in, ranging from a decline in critical thinking to forming unhealthy dependencies. Yet, Sewards’ representative posits that the chatbot serves as an “addition” to existing communication methods, such as email and voicemail—an approach that seems both pragmatic and beneficial in leveraging artificial intelligence.
For professionals monetizing their expertise, the development of digital clones presents an opportunity for business expansion. Brodie Sharpe, a physiotherapist hailing from Melbourne, Australia, embodies this entrepreneurial spirit. Having previously endured a chronic running injury, he began treating similar cases and subsequently launched the “Overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy” podcast, featuring 157 episodes focused on this topic to attract new clientele.
Approximately one year ago, Sharpe invested A$2,000 (approximately $1,300) in a developer to train a chatbot using both his podcast episodes and pertinent academic research. Subsequently, he announced the availability of “tailored advice” through this AI assistant for a monthly fee of A$8.99.
Over the last year, about 50 users have subscribed, querying the assistant on diverse subjects ranging from the advantages of foam rolling to training methodologies for half-marathons while managing PHT injuries.
This endeavor has generated an additional A$650 monthly in passive income for Sharpe, who notes minimal ongoing expenses—only A$20 on data usage throughout the past year. Although the earnings remain modest, the potential for growth in this side venture is apparent.
In the future, he plans to enhance the chatbot with insights gained during client consultations via Zoom. When questioned about the risks of the AI proposing suggestions he might contest, Sharpe responds with equanimity: “I’m fine with that,” emphasizing that the bot is intended to deliver high-quality insights rather than mimic him directly. “Whatever it generates should be of superior quality.”
However, it is important to recognize the precarious balance between innovative entrepreneurship and overindulgence. Deepak Chopra unveiled a “digital twin” last year, charging a nominal fee for access, a venture that seems less innovative and more an exercise in personal amplification. Similarly, Snapchat influencer Caryn Marjorie amassed a fortune at 24 by creating a bot that charges users $1 per minute.
It raises an unsettling prospect—will the affluent amongst us retain access to human expertise while the rest engage solely with AI substitutes?
Nonetheless, the global appetite for chatbots appears insatiable. Over 700 million individuals utilize ChatGPT weekly; factoring in other AI platforms such as those from Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc., the total user base likely surpasses one billion.
As interactions with machines become commonplace, it is plausible that some may eventually depend on AI as conduits to their favored sources of wisdom. This could democratize knowledge and alleviate workloads—if employed judiciously. Conversely, misuse risks reducing genuine interactions to mere shadows of their former selves.
Source link: Livemint.com.
