AI ‘Conversation’ Between Bill Gates & Socrates Draws Widespread Ridicule
From creating music mashups to reimagining childhood images, there’s no lack of creative ways to use newfound artificial intelligence (AI) technology. However, some experiments, like a recent “debate” between Bill Gates and Socrates, may not create the impression one would hope for.
Social media was set alight by an AI-generated “conversation” between the billionaire and the ancient Greek philosopher, which was posted on Twitter by designer Linus Ekenstam. The creator claimed it was an example of “realistic dialogue” that could be the “future of podcasts.”
Is this the future of podcasts?
— Linus (â—á´—â—) (@LinusEkenstam) May 26, 2023
AI conversations | Bill Gates x Socrates
I think very realistic conversations like this will be bread and butter in any streaming app.
Let’s take it one step further and imagine this but personalized towards you? 🤯
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/K58okqsusK
Unfortunately, it appears a large segment of viewers didn’t enjoy the chat between the two great minds. According to Marca, the project quickly drew widespread criticism, in particular with Socrates donning a rather strange British accent and his techno-pessimistic remarks.
Many argued that the conversation did not adhere to the philosophy of Socrates, especially with the ancient sage willingly accepting explanations of modern technology from the get-go. And as Futurism pointed out, much of the repetitive chat was full of “hustle-bro-hype-speak.”
Future of Podcast 2.0
— Linus (â—á´—â—) (@LinusEkenstam) May 29, 2023
Since so many people seemed to love where the future of podcasting is heading.
I give you the Joe Rogan AI Experience
Trump & Joe talking about the lost city of Atlantis. pic.twitter.com/b8tkgM5Mhh
Instead of addressing the ridicule, Ekenstam doubled down on his creation by sharing another AI-powered audio clip, this time of controversial podcaster Joe Rogan talking to former President Donald Trump about the lost city of Atlantis.
“Stuff like this makes me realize AI creators and (even more so) boosters have extremely limited imaginations,” commented Twitter user Laleh Khalili, while another took a more humorous approach by suggesting Socrates would think Bill Gates was “some creature of dark magic.”
It’s so good watching what Silicon Valley guys think entertainment should look like https://t.co/WQEQiTCufT
— Ed Zitron (@edzitron) May 29, 2023
“Kinda depressing that we keep making technology that could make our working lives easier, but instead insist on using it as a replacement for the arts and entertainment—the things we’re meant to enjoy doing,” chimed in user @ellewasamistake.
Regardless of your take on AI-generated entertainment, here’s one thing for sure: it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Socrates be like:
— Just Another Brisket ðŸ³ï¸âš§ï¸ðŸª€ (@AnotherBrisket) May 29, 2023
“Wow”
“Interesting”
“Really?” https://t.co/1MRa9l5v1Z
[via Marca and Futurism, cover image via Frédéric Legrand | Dreamstime.com and Stefanos Kyriazis | Dreamstime.com]
