This AI college president is another reason to drop out
Graduation can’t come soon enough
Learning on the job
After recruiting the services of theAI Media Labfor a bargain$125,000, Whitfield headed to the studio.
He spent around eight hours reading information about UNLV, reciting questions for students, and talking about himself.
AI Media Lab used the recordings and 3D images of Whitfield to create his avatar. The virtual mentor was then unleashed on the lucky UNLV students.
To seek his guidance, all they need to do is turn on their microphone and agree to twoprivacypolicies, along with just one terms of service.
I couldn’t foresee any risks, so I immediately loaded him up.
Seconds later, the digital prez appeared on my laptop screen.
“My goal is to help you through your experience at UNLV by answering questions, directing you to resources, and helping you with whatever you might be going through,” he explained.
Programming education
Virtual Whitfield tried to accommodate my every need. He revealed his favorite spot on campus, gave me tips on studying dystopian tech, and was amiable to requests for drugs.
I was, however, unnerved by his advice on finding love.
“I am not currently married,” he said.
Perhaps I shouldn’t be too critical. The UX is pretty smooth and the AI did recommend resources for mental health, financial aid, and career advice — although a simple search function could have provided that more swiftly.
I suppose it’s more personable than a chatbot, but if I wanted the advice of a digital twin, I wouldn’t pick my college president. I’d much rather bare my soul to a hot AI therapist.
If those weren’t options, that $125,000 may have been better spent on real support services — rather than an avatar that merely talks about them.
HT:Chris Gilliard
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is a senior reporter at TNW. He covers European tech, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and government policy.Thomas is a senior reporter at TNW. He covers European tech, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and government policy.
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