If AI mimicking a human voice or style is not enough, there is more. Facebook, now called Meta, has a strategy to make its platforms more engaging for users. It plans to create AI chatbots that mimic surfers and launch prominent figures, including Abraham Lincoln. Both have the personalities of surfers or famous figures, which is kind of interesting to hear about their takes on certain issues or responses. However, I doubt the AI chatbots have the same responses as real celebrities, but I could be wrong.

These AI chatbots are just software programs with the personality data of those individuals that the company created. It is not the same as listening to real people on TV, interviewing them, or just talking to them on social media platforms or face-to-face on certain issues. Even if it feels authentic talking to it, what are the chances that the AI’s thoughts and responses are the same as those of famous individuals, especially those who pass away? People’s personalities change over time due to their life experiences and the outcomes of their lives.

Moreover, why create AI chatbots with the personalities of famous figures and not just create the personalities of new characters? The thought of cybercriminals mimicking the characteristics and qualities of a living person for malicious activities is scary. I’m not saying that it will happen, but the thought of it cannot be ruled out, just like voice cloning scams. Scammers have been using AI to duplicate human voices for ransom. Family members who receive calls from them believe their loved ones are in danger when their loved ones are not.

In conclusion, will AI chatbots that mimic the personas of celebrities do more good than harm, or vice versa? Not everyone has a chance to talk to famous people, regardless of whether there are questions he or she would like to ask them. Therefore, it is kind of interesting to hear about the historical and contemporary perspectives of these AI chatbots. Their responses may or may not give insight about global issues or give similar responses to those of the real famous person. I would rather get some references about historical or famous people before or after a discussion with an AI chatbot with the personality of that person. 

Sources:

Zuck Meets Honest Abe: Facebook to Launch AI Chatbots Imitating Famous Figures Including Abraham Lincoln

Cybercriminals are using AI voice cloning tools to dupe victims

Image: I use photoshop to create the feature image.