This morning I saw a post online showing Princess Diana visiting a children's hospital somewhere in Africa, looking quite angry. Only it wasn't Princess Diana, instead it was some sort of fake, or deep fake, or AI or virtual lookalike, or whatever we call computer-made images of actual people, dead or alive. The discerning eye can usually tell -- in this case her nose was the giveaway, ending in a perky little upswing like Cheryl Hines, whereas Diana had, despite her unassailable beauty, a long, straight, almost beak-like nose. (See authentic photo above.) But those who don't take the time to really see would assume it to be her.
Naturally many arguments followed in the comment section, with the majority of people insisting it was her and that she had a dark side rarely seen in public, and others saying no way and if you think that's her I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
The post elicited many questions for me. Like what is the point of AI, why would anyone want to make a fake Princess Diana post, what is the best use of such technology and what is the worst possible outcome if it fully enters the mainstream? Will we have manufactured politicians running for office and running the country? Will human actors become obsolete when movies can be made with fake ones at a fraction of the cost?
I am clinging to reality for as long as possible. Today I had a real slice of toast and two eggs that came from real chickens -- I know because the owner of the chickens is a friend. Eventually might there be fake eggs laid by fake chickens? Or just fake eggs, no chickens needed?
Instead of making things like AI and drones, why can't the smartest people among us who possess enormous abilities focus on a cure for cancer? I mean really, do something useful for a change.
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