Artificial intelligence is changing the world faster than any other technological advancement in history. Chatbots can interact with people in so many ways, often mimicking human beings to carry on conversations with real humans. In fact, there is a trend among younger humans to develop relationships with the Chatbots rather than real humans. Chatbots can be programmed to never disagree with you or say things that might make you feel bad. Richard Skellett has taken that concept to the proverbial next level.
Richard works for a digital consulting firm. They have been at the forefront of helping clients utilize artificial intelligence programs to enhance human productivity. Richard has gone a step further. He has built an artificial version of himself, Digital Richard. Over the last 3 years, Richard has given his alter ego access to every email, Zoom meeting, phone conversation, in person meetings, and every document he has authored. With that information, Digital Richard has become an online version of Richard.
DR has analyzed the information, especially his human interactions, and can 'think' like Richard. So far, human Richard only uses DR to interact with work colleagues. DR reads emails first, develops an answer, and writes the return email. Human Richard no longer reviews them first. If human Richard is in a meeting or on a call, DR will answer the phone and carry on a conversation with the caller. Most people never know they are not speaking with a human. DR even attends Zoom meetings in his stead.
Human Richard has more time to spend with clients, but DR is not far off from being able to handle calls from clients. DR will be used to handle follow up calls, already having full knowledge of what human Richard is doing for the client. Richard also developed a version for a work colleague who wants to retire. He uses his version to slowly phase himself out of all activities.
At some point, why would we need human Richard? Will the company need to replace the retiring consultant? Not if the AI versions have all of their experience and knowledge. Think about it; no sick days, no salary demands, quick responses at any time of the day or night. What wouldn't an employer like about that?
Why would any of us have to work? Are we creating a world in which the collective knowledge of every human being is kept within the database of a chatbot? What task could not be conducted by AI with the help of robots? Virtually, nothing. Could the AI powered robots take over everything we do? Provide food, energy, medical care, housing, etc.? Would be free to live lives of leisure? Sounds enticing, doesn't it?
I don't think it would be the utopia one might envision initially, but that's a topic for another day.
