What the machine tells us about technology

Interview by Anne-Sophie Moreau.

Which recent technologies have most upset the daily lives of human beings?

ChatGPT: In recent years, several technologies have had a considerable impact on the daily life of human beings. Here are some of the recent technologies that have had a big shake-up:

1. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI has transformed many fields, such as health, transport, industry, agriculture and commerce. AI systems are used for voice recognition, machine translation, personal assistants (like Siri and Alexa), content recommendation and much more.

2. Autonomous vehicles: Autonomous cars have the potential to revolutionize the transport sector. Significant progress has been made in the development of self-driving cars, which could lead to safer driving, reduced road accidents and better traffic management.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): These technologies provide immersive and interactive experiences. Virtual reality allows users to immerse themselves in virtual worlds, while augmented reality superimposes virtual elements on the real world. These technologies have found applications in entertainment, education, commerce and medicine.

4. Voice assistants: Voice assistants, such as Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple HomePod, have transformed the way we interact with technology. They allow you to control home devices, ask questions, listen to music, and manage daily tasks using just your voice.

5. Streaming platforms: Online music, video and game streaming services, such as Netflix, Spotify and Twitch, have radically changed the way we access and consume media content. These platforms provide instant access to a vast library of content, disrupting the traditional television, music, and video game industries.

6. Blockchain technology: blockchains, like the one used by the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, have the potential to disrupt traditional financial systems. They offer a decentralized way to store and verify transactions, paving the way for new applications in payments, smart contracts, identity management and many other areas.

These technologies have each brought significant changes to our lives, but it should be noted that their adoption and impact may vary across regions and populations.

Is the arrival of new technologies always synonymous with progress?

ChatGPT: The arrival of new technologies is not always synonymous with absolute progress. Although new technologies can bring many benefits and improvements in many areas, they can also present negative aspects or challenges. Here are some points to consider:

1. Impact on employment: the introduction of new technologies can automate certain tasks and make certain skills obsolete, which can lead to job losses in certain sectors. However, new technologies can also create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in other areas.

2. Social inequalities: new technologies can accentuate social inequalities if they are not accessible to everyone. Some populations, especially marginalized communities or less developed countries, may have limited access to new technologies, which widens the digital divide.

3. Addiction and psychological impact: Excessive or misuse of certain technologies, such as social media or video games, can have a negative impact on mental health and well-being. Technological dependence and social isolation can be undesirable consequences.

4. Privacy and data security: Advances in technology, such as massive data collection, widespread surveillance and artificial intelligence, can raise privacy and data security concerns. It is essential to find a b…