2024-06-17 06:00:04
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a chatbot that lets you talk to an older version of yourself. The project, called “Future You,” aims to encourage users to make decisions about vie more thoughtful and sustainable by confronting them with their 60-year-old “selves”.
The MIT team, working with Thai researchers, was inspired by studies showing that young people benefit from conversations with older people. The chatbot uses artificial intelligence to simulate these exchanges based on personal data provided by the user. After answering a series of questions about their lives, relationships and aspirations, participants see their photo transformed into an older version of themselves. Pat Pataranutaporn, one of the researchers on the project, explains: “The goal is to promote long-term thinking and behavior change. This could motivate people to make better choices in the present, in order to optimize their long-term well-being and success in life.”
Interaction with this “future self” is based on synthetic memories and probable experiences generated by the AI. For example, a student who wanted to become a biology teacher was able to chat with his retired version, who told him how she had helped a struggling student. This feedback reinforced his motivation to pursue this career.
To train the AI, participants fill out a detailed questionnaire about themselves, including information about their family, friends, and significant experiences. A profile photo is then digitally altered to represent the participant at age 60. While this older version can’t predict the future, it does offer advice based on a potential life, helping users envision different life trajectories.
According to a preliminary study published on May 21, but not yet validated by the scientific community, tests conducted on 344 volunteers aged 18 to 30 showed beneficial effects. Participants reported feeling less anxious and more connected to their future after using the chatbot.
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