Scarlett Johansson Turns Down OpenAI Job for Kids' Sake
- Scarlett Johansson declined an offer to voice OpenAI's chatbot, citing concerns about how it might influence her children.
- She expressed that having a chatbot voice her could be 'strange' for her kids.
- Ultimately, her decision reflects a broader concern among parents about technology's role in children's lives.
Scarlett Johansson recently revealed her discomfort with a job proposal from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, which involved the use of a voice that closely resembled her own. In an interview with the Times, Johansson stated that she felt uneasy about being at the forefront of such technology, particularly for the sake of her children. She kept the proposal private, only discussing it with her husband. Upon hearing a demo of the AI voice, named Sky, Johansson was taken aback, expressing feelings of shock and anger. She noted that the voice was so similar to hers that even her friends and various news outlets struggled to distinguish between the two. Johansson highlighted that Altman seemed to acknowledge this resemblance, referencing her role in the film "Her," where she voiced an AI character named Samantha. Johansson described the experience as surreal, questioning how she became involved in the situation. In response to the backlash, Altman issued a statement clarifying that Sky's voice was not intended to mimic Johansson's and apologized for the lack of communication regarding the matter. The actress also voiced her broader concerns about deepfake technology and the absence of regulatory measures governing its use, emphasizing the need for legislation to address the ethical implications of such advancements in artificial intelligence.