The Gradient: Perspectives on AI cover image

The Gradient: Perspectives on AI

Evan Ratliff: Our Future with Voice Agents

Sep 26, 2024
Evan Ratliff, an award-winning investigative journalist and bestselling author, dives into his new podcast Shell Game, where he creates an AI voice clone of himself. He discusses the emotional complexities of voice technology and its impact on personal connections. Ratliff shares insights on the changing landscape of journalism, technology's influence on children, and the potential ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. He reflects on storytelling's heart in journalism and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in this digital age.
01:19:59

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Evan Ratliff’s creation of an AI voice clone serves as an immersive journalism experiment, revealing the unpredictable impact of AI on human relationships.
  • Ratliff explores the complexity of identity by distinguishing between different personas he adopts in journalism, reflecting on the duality of professional roles.

Deep dives

Evan Ratliff's Experiment with AI Voice Cloning

Evan Ratliff undertook a unique experiment by creating an AI voice clone of himself and exploring its interactions within his social circles. His motivation stemmed from a desire to understand the implications of such technology firsthand, reflecting a broader theme of immersive journalism. Ratliff's approach mirrors that of early pioneers like Hunter S. Thompson, emphasizing the value of embedding oneself in different experiences to gain deeper insights. Through the process, he encountered surprising and often uncomfortable responses from friends, illustrating the unpredictable effects of AI on human relationships.

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