Humanising technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) personal assistants - Intelligent Tech, Ep 4
Education
Introduction
In a recent discussion on Intelligent Tech, host Jonathan McDonald engaged in a deep conversation about the transformative potential of technology and its pivotal role in human productivity. McDonald, an investor and entrepreneur, has taken a bold step by founding Self, an AI-powered personal assistant that emphasizes user sovereignty over data. The conversation commenced with staggering statistics from a study by Atlassian, revealing that 96% of individuals have missed a mandatory meeting and 89% find meetings ineffective or poorly managed. These statistics set the stage for exploring how AI technology, like Self, could alleviate such pain points.
Motivation Behind Self
Jonathan shared that his life's work has centered around the quest to make technology more human while enabling humans to harness technology productively. He expressed concerns about a recurring theme in technology over the decades: devices transforming humans into mere “batteries” instead of empowering them as masters of their digital landscapes. This foundational philosophy drives the creation and mission of Self.
Early Experiences with AI
Reflecting on his early experiences in tech, Jonathan recounted how he grew up surrounded by computers, thanks to his father, an engineer. He observed how advancements in AI did not happen overnight; they were the result of years of maturation and various market movements. Jonathan noted that today's AI landscape is the culmination of decades of technological evolution, and he sees an opportunity to shape the future direction of this development.
Understanding Self
Jonathan elaborated on the concept of Self, describing it as an assistant that exclusively learns and retains information about the user, stored on their server with no external access. Unlike traditional platforms that often monetize user data, Self prioritizes user privacy, ensuring a seriously personalized experience. Users of Self have reported using it for a variety of tasks, such as trip planning, creating reading lists, and even finding significant discounts on purchases.
Impressively, a staggering 80% of Self users engage with the assistant multiple times per day, predominantly replacing traditional search methods with the service. This reflects not only the efficiency but also the close personalization of the experience.
The Role of Humans in AI
A notable aspect of Self is its approach to accuracy and verification. While advanced AI often suffers from "hallucinations"—errors where AI confidently states incorrect information—Self mitigates these risks by incorporating human oversight. Jonathan emphasized that human personal assistants check the AI's output, providing guidance and education about what "care" and "utility" should mean in the context of AI. This unique approach fosters a deeper emotional connection, leading users to feel like Self is not just a tool but a friend.
Aiding Vulnerable Populations
The conversation also delved into how Self can aid vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities or dementia. As Jonathan noted, establishing a hyper-personalized understanding of individuals is critical for effective care. Self is positioned to provide reminders, companionship, and assistance while tailoring its features to each user’s specific needs.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Jonathan shared that Self is not merely an assistant but is envisioned to evolve into a personal operating system. This ambition will eventually create an ecosystem that operates under the "self" model, challenging the dominance of larger tech platforms.
Ethical Considerations
As the dialogue progressed, ethical considerations surfaced. Jonathan underscored the importance of governance structures surrounding technology that prioritize user rights, data ownership, and agency. He expressed concern about a growing trend of companies prioritizing profit over ethical responsibilities, urging users to be conscious of their digital footprints and the technology they engage with.
Conclusion and Takeaway
In closing, Jonathan encouraged reflection on one's role within the technological ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of maintaining agency and seeking alternatives that respect user privacy. Self.app is currently in a testing period, allowing users to experience a personal assistant rooted in user consent and data security.
Keywords
- Human-centered technology
- AI personal assistant
- Data sovereignty
- Ethical AI
- Hyper personalization
- User privacy
- Emotional intelligence
- Vulnerable populations
FAQ
Q1: What is Self?
A1: Self is an AI-powered personal assistant designed to learn and retain user information on a personal server, prioritizing user privacy and personalized experience.
Q2: How does Self differ from traditional AI platforms?
A2: Unlike traditional platforms that externalize user data for monetization, Self focuses on user sovereignty and offers a tailored, private experience.
Q3: How does Self verify the accuracy of its responses?
A3: Self incorporates human oversight, with personal assistants verifying its output to enhance accuracy and ensure a caring, useful interaction.
Q4: Can Self assist vulnerable individuals?
A4: Yes, Self is designed to cater to vulnerable populations by offering personalized reminders, companionship, and assistance tailored to individual needs.
Q5: What is the future vision for Self?
A5: Self aims to evolve into a personal operating system, eventually creating an ecosystem that operates on principles of data sovereignty and user control, competing with larger tech platforms.