OpenAI puts flirty ChatGPT voice that sounds like ScarJo in 'Her ...
OpenAI has announced that it is pausing the use of a synthetic voice introduced with an update to ChatGPT, which drew comparisons to a fictional voice assistant resembling Scarlett Johansson's portrayal in the movie "Her." The voice, known as Sky, received criticism for being overly familiar and having a flirtatious tone that some described as emerging from a male developer's fantasy.
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In response to the backlash, OpenAI stated, "We've heard questions about how we chose the voices in ChatGPT, especially Sky. We are working to pause the use of Sky while we address them." The company clarified that the voice of Sky is not based on Scarlett Johansson's voice but is that of a different professional actress using her natural speaking voice.
Controversy and Backlash
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Despite efforts to create an approachable and trustworthy voice with a rich tone, the Sky voice mode faced criticism for its flirtatious and familiar demeanor. The voice had not been widely released, but videos from the product announcement went viral, prompting widespread discussion and mockery online.
Some critics found the Sky voice too easy to listen to, leading to humorous reactions, including a segment on The Daily Show where it was humorously referred to as a "horny robot baby voice." The parallels drawn between the Sky voice and Scarlett Johansson's portrayal in "Her" added to the controversy surrounding its development.
Societal Concerns
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The criticism of the Sky voice reflects broader societal concerns about biases in technology created by predominantly White male-led tech companies. The incident also occurred amidst scrutiny of OpenAI's safety practices following public remarks by a former employee.
The departure of key personnel raised questions about the company's priorities, particularly regarding long-term AI safety and preparations for potential artificial general intelligence (AGI) that surpasses human intelligence. OpenAI's response to these concerns highlighted its commitment to addressing safety issues and fostering a culture of responsibility in AI development.
Commitment to Safety and Innovation
OpenAI's President, Greg Brockman, emphasized the company's dedication to raising awareness of AI risks and opportunities, advocating for international governance of AGI, and advancing the science of assessing AI systems for potential risks. The company reiterated its focus on rigorous testing, security measures, and balancing safety with capabilities as AI technologies evolve.
As AI continues to advance and integrate into daily life, OpenAI remains committed to maintaining a stringent feedback loop and prioritizing safety measures to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI systems.
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