The Rise of Synthetic Personas in AI

In this engaging conversation, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard explore the rapid developments in technology as we enter 2025. They discuss the implications of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the potential for superintelligence, and the ethical considerations surrounding these advancements. The conversation also touches on the creation of synthetic personas in social media and the challenges of distinguishing between real and artificial interactions. The hosts explore the implications of synthetic personas and data, the concept of the dead internet, and the future of AI technology. They discusses the potential dangers of social media manipulation, the ethical considerations of using synthetic data for research, and the responsibilities that come with democratizing AI technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and ethical awareness as we navigate the evolving landscape of AI and digital interactions.

Links:

• Sam Altman's blog post on AGI 
• AI Social Media Users Not Always a Totally Dumb Idea (Wired)
• Meta's AI-generated bot profiles are not being received well (The Verge)
• The 'dead internet theory' makes eerie claims about an AI-run web. The truth is more sinister (UNSW Sydney)
• NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super DEveloper Kit ($249)
• NVIDIA Project DIGITS A Grace Blackwell AI Supercomputer on your desk ($3k)

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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu

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Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.

Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.

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