Should we fear chatbots?

6 Minute English

语言学习

2023-07-06

6 分钟

单集文稿 ...

  • Neil: I'm Neil.

  • Rob: And I'm Rob.

  • Neil: Now, I'm sure most of us have interacted with a chatbot.

  • These are bits of computer technology that respond to text with text or respond to your voice.

  • You ask it a question and it usually comes up with an answer!

  • Rob: Yes, it's almost like talking to another human,

  • but of course it's not – it's just a clever piece of technology.

  • It is becoming more sophisticated – more advanced and complex,

  • but could they replace real human interaction altogether?

  • Neil: We'll discuss that more in a moment and find out if chatbots really think for themselves.

  • But first I have a question for you, Rob.

  • The first computer program that allowed some kind of plausible conversation

  • between humans and machines was invented in 1966,

  • but what was it called? Was it:

  • a) ALEXA

  • b) ELIZA

  • c) PARRY

  • Rob: It's not Alexa – that's too new – so I'll guess c) PARRY.

  • Neil: I'll reveal the answer at the end of the programme.

  • Now, the old chatbots of the 1960s and 70s were quite basic,