Have you ever thought about just talking to a version of you from the future? Well, this scenario is common in movies Sci-fiAnd it seems closer to reality.
Scientists from the Media Lab at the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are developing a chatbot equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capable of determining this “meeting of generations”.
In an interview with The Guardian, researcher Pat Patarantaporn, who is responsible for the “You Are the Future” project, explains that the primary goal of the initiative is to stimulate people’s awareness.
By talking to their “future selves,” people will be able to get a better perspective on themselves and, as a result, relieve anxiety and have better habits, Patara Notaporn said.
He stressed that “the goal is to enhance thinking and change behavior in the long term.” “This could motivate people to make more rational choices in the present to improve their well-being and life outcomes in the long term,” the scientist added.
How does the “You are the Future” program work?
You'll be talking to your 60-year-old self before you actually turn 60 – Image: MIT/Future You/reproduction
To develop the project, Patarantaporn and his team recruited 344 volunteers who first answered a series of questions to feed Future You's AI.
The answers provided trained the system to create an elderly persona for each of these people.
As a way to complete the chatbot training, users added a selfie that was later modified to give the chatbot more familiarity. Artificial intelligence robot.
This new mature user persona has proven its ability to provide advice on different areas of users' lives, such as relationships, career, children, health, etc.
The advice was created based on the artificial memory that appeared with the information originally provided.
According to the researchers, the majority of volunteers who used Future You felt more comfortable talking to this digital version of themselves.
Reports show that wise and reassuring advice has been offered, as well as a more sober and firm perspective on what these people should do from now on to ensure a stable future, such as developing healthy habits and investing in savings for future retirement.
The future is still in the final stages of development, but researchers at MIT's Media Lab haven't made it clear if (or when) the chatbot will be available to the general public.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.