AI Version of Cartoonist Scott Adams Raises Concerns
The creator of Dilbert, Scott Adams, may have passed away, but an artificial intelligence version of him is still making waves.
However, those close to him—family and long-time fans—aren’t finding it amusing.
Since January 27th, reports indicate that an AI clone of Adams has been hosting a phony podcast called “AI Coffee with Scott Adams.” This has stirred quite a bit of controversy.
His younger brother, Dave, expressed concern: “My brother never intended and would never have approved an AI version of him that was not authorized by himself or his estate,” he stated.
Adams succumbed to prostate cancer on January 13, as revealed by his ex-wife during a livestream of his podcast. He was 68.
“Unfortunately, this is not good news. Of course, he waited until right before the show started, but he’s no longer with us,” said Shelley Miles, his ex-wife and caregiver, reflecting on his passing.
The cartoonist, who started his magazine in April 1989, rose to fame for his satirical portrayals of office life. Since 2018, he had also hosted a nearly daily podcast, where he talked about current events and offered advice on persuasive communication.
Being a trained hypnotist, Adams authored multiple self-help books aimed at helping individuals succeed in both their professional and personal lives.
The AI version of his podcast features a figure that closely resembles Adams, using a voice similar to his, complete with a digital copy of his iconic coffee mug, and discussing familiar topics.
Friends and fans of Adams have reacted with disbelief regarding this unauthorized imitation. “My firm insight is that this needs to stop,” posted AI researcher Brian Romell. “1: @ScottAdamsSays’ family should have full physical and commercial control. 2: The quality of the visuals, audio, and thematic content isn’t something Mr. Scott would approve of.”
Romell also emphasized the potential dangers of AI representations of public and private figures. “Do you own your own likeness? If you don’t, what does that mean for your identity?” he questioned.
“Unless the line between tribute and outright theft is clearly defined, chaos will ensue, and much of our humanity could be lost,” he added.
Dave Adams mentioned that he and Scott often discussed the hazards associated with rogue AI, and that Scott was concerned about these issues. “I said it would be terrible to see and hear something that looked like him but didn’t reflect who he really was,” Dave noted, emphasizing that this was important to Scott.
The AI version of Adams’ podcast shared a clip in which the figure seemingly gives consent for others to create AI versions of him. “I would like to be a model for one of the first AIs… Even if I am just practicing, I would be a good candidate to transform into an AI,” the AI claimed.
Yet, in a subsequent episode, Adams appears to walk back his support for AI, citing the emotional impact it could have on those who knew him. “I’ve been saying for years that I was going to clone my AI robot, but I changed that plan… When you tell people you know, they look at you with sad eyes and say, ‘That can’t be you,'” he remarked.
