Over the years, technology has become one of the most debated topics. Some argue that it has caused more harm than good. Others argue that technology is a game-changer. In my opinion, the importance of technology cannot be overemphasized. Although it has many downsides, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Gone are those days when human beings struggled to perform simple tasks. For example, centuries ago, human beings struggled to send messages. Communication was a chore. They made use of crude methods like town criers, smoke signals, and letter writing. Not only are these methods limited, but they are also unreliable and could take days.
Times have changed. Today, we can send messages to our loved ones just from the comfort of our homes, and all that is needed is a cell phone. Thanks to social media platforms, we can send videos, pictures, and long messages to friends and family without stress. Compared to letter writing where you would have to take the letter to the post office, get it stamped, and hope it gets to the receiver. Sometimes it would take weeks, months even. And in worst cases, the letter would get lost. So yes, there's no doubt that technology is the big game changer.
However, in recent years, we have started to see more negative impacts of technology. It is as if as technology gets more advanced so do the negative impacts. Decades ago, the world wasn't as worried about the harmful effects of technology as it is today. Today, we are starting to hear about terms like deep fake videos. This brings me to today’s Hive Learners’ prompt. The prompt for today is DEEPFAKE. Deepfake technology has ruined reputations and lives. Now, the community asks a deep question: Is there a way deepfake technology can be used for a good act?
Deepfake technology is one of the many forms of Artificial intelligence. I don’t know when exactly or who exactly developed it, but it is a result of the 21st century and I consider it one of the most dangerous technologies ever created by humans. In simple words, this technology is used to create fake videos or voice recordings of a person. Meaning, if they wanted to create a fake video of you saying things you would never say, all they just need to do is get hold of your picture and voice recording.
This technology is dangerous because it can be used to spread lies and many people in the world today are not really tech-savvy enough to be able to detect the fake videos. I'm not even sure I would be able to detect deep fake videos because they have gotten more advanced. If someone sent a video of your friend telling you to do something urgently, the video looks exactly like your friend. Not only that, but it also sounds exactly like your friend. The thought that the video might be a deep fake video might not even cross your mind. Now, imagine what scammers would do with this technology.
It is not even what they would do, it is what they have done. Today, many people have lost their entire life savings to this scam. Now, to answer the Hive learners’ prompt. What good can such technology be used for? Honestly, I couldn't think of anything until I researched and one benefit of deepfake technology that makes a little sense to me is that it can be used in the film industry. For example, instead of stopping a movie because an actor is not available, deep fake technology can be used to fix things.
Still, I think this technology is too dangerous regardless of what good it can be used for.
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Thanks for reading.