From The Atlantic: 2024-05-22 18:40:00

OpenAI’s new AI assistant, Sky, drew criticism for sounding closely similar to Scarlett Johansson’s voice in the movie Her. Johansson alleged that OpenAI had asked to use her voice for their ChatGPT service, which she declined. OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, denied intending to mimic her voice. The controversy highlights ethical concerns around AI development.

The narrative of AI being inevitable raises questions about OpenAI’s intention of making AI tools more human-like and user-friendly. The choice to model Sky’s voice after Johansson’s adds a flirtatious aspect, potentially unsettling. The company aims to normalize generative AI tools and bring revolutionary technology into people’s everyday lives while facing accusations of lack of creativity.

Sam Altman’s leadership at OpenAI is called into question as the company faces scrutiny for allegedly using Scarlett Johansson’s voice without consent. Altman, known for his nuanced public discussions on AI, faces criticism for lacking candor in his dealings. This episode sheds light on the company’s internal dynamics and potential lack of transparency in tech development.

In other news, the CDC reported a second human case of bird flu in Michigan, considered low risk. A New York Times report found a Christian flag at Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s home. Israel recalls ambassadors from Norway, Spain, and Ireland over plans to recognize a Palestinian state. Plastic waste poses challenges for farmers despite its water and fertilizer-saving benefits. Charlie Kirk promotes conservative brands like Blackout Coffee in ad breakdowns. R. O. Kwon’s new novel, Exhibit, offers a deep dive into self-discovery and barriers. Jan Beatty’s poem, “Nothing Is a Body,” explores longing and memory in visceral detail.



Read more at The Atlantic: The OpenAI dustup signals a bigger problem