It is a novelty on ZDF: For the first time, the public broadcaster conducted an interview with an artificial intelligence (AI) during the “Heute Journal” on Sunday evening. In a four-minute conversation, moderator Christian Sievers interviewed a female avatar named “Jenny” about, among other things, the opportunities and risks of AI and over 30 years of the World Wide Web. According to ZDF, “Jenny’s” answers come from the voice robot ChatGPT. “What surprised us was that the answers directly resulted in an interview that could be broadcast,” explains Benjamin Dzialowski, head of the service for the “heute” programs on the ZDF homepage.
According to ZDF, the actual interview with the AI ??was conducted prior to the recording. ChatGPT provided the answers in writing. Another program was used to create a suitable face and select a voice type. Then all you had to do was insert the AI’s responses into the program’s text field, says Dzialowski.
With his first question, Sievers addressed a widespread topic in connection with AI, the fear many people have of technical innovation. Sievers wants to know what that does to the AI. “As an AI, I have no emotions or feelings, so when people fear me or think of me as a celebrity, it doesn’t affect me personally,” Jenny replies. It was designed to answer questions and help those who need support.
Sievers interrupts at this point: “They say they are an emotionless being, but they give the same answers and look like a human being. Isn’t that the real danger, that it can no longer be distinguished?” She would understand that using AI can present “certain challenges”. “It is important that we are aware of the possibilities and limitations of AI and that we ensure that it is used in responsible and ethical ways,” says Jenny.
The broadcaster also explains on the homepage why ZDF conducted the interview with the AI. The World Wide Web celebrated its 30th birthday on Sunday. In the search for an expert on the subject, the idea came up of asking the Internet itself. On Sunday, ZDF devoted a large group of topics to the birthday of the Internet. A good half of the 28-minute program revolved around the Internet, but also the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.
“Jenny” doesn’t know whether she herself is the future of the Internet: “As an AI, I can’t make any predictions as to whether I’m the future or not.” However, it is a tool designed to make it easier for the user to access information. But you don’t have to be afraid of her. If someone is afraid of her or other AI, they should focus on how AI is already being used in life and how it can improve people’s lives. “As with any technology, there are risks and challenges. But there are also immense benefits that can be harnessed to make the world a better place.”
