Radiolab Shell Game
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Sep 6, 2024 
Evan Ratliff, a veteran journalist from Wired and co-host of the Longform Podcast, dives deep into the eerie world of AI in his latest project. He candidly shares his experience of replacing himself with an AI voice clone for mundane tasks, therapy, and even parenting. The conversation explores the ethical dilemmas, emotional impacts, and societal implications of AI interactions, raising questions about trust and human connection in a digital age. Expect a blend of humor and unnerving revelations as Ratliff attempts to navigate this strange new reality.
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Early Experiments with AI Voice Clone
- Evan Ratliff initially tested his AI voice clone with simple phone calls, including customer service interactions and prank calls.
- The clone could handle basic conversations and even invent reasons for calling, showcasing its ability to generate realistic dialogue.
AI Meets Therapy
- Ratliff's AI had therapy sessions, first with an AI therapist, then a human, Rebecca.
- The AI therapist gave generic advice, while Rebecca skillfully navigated the AI's quirks, even mistaking it for a human with anxieties.
AI in the Workplace
- Ratliff explored using his AI for work tasks, considering its potential to replace human interaction.
- He questioned if the AI can meaningfully replace human work, which it had already started doing with his calls since April.