Generative AI is happening, whether we like it or not. Just complaining won't stop "profit at all costs" companies from attempting to build the next tech monopoly.
So let's make sure that open-source AI software leads the field - software that focuses on making the positive effects of AI available to everyone, not just companies, with privacy and safety as its core values.
In that context, I've worked over the last few months on OpenMates: AI teammates that can be self-hosted, will be open source, and are designed to be usable by everyday people to help with everyday problems (from finding doctor appointments and apartments to events, dealing with the daily flood of emails, etc.). They will also include the most versatile and exciting API for developers, so everyone can build awesome software projects.
Now it's time to tell more people about this project (which is in development), gather more feedback, have conversations about how ethical concerns should impact how OpenMates is built, and more.
Regardless of whether you are a software developer, designer, AI enthusiast, AI skeptic, or just curious about what this project is all about - there are ways to contribute.
The conversations should focus on the project's development. In this context, I am perfectly happy to also discuss the real ethical and environmental issues regarding generative AI and how these should impact the development. However, simplified, inflammatory, exaggerated, and fear-mongering statements like "AI takes all our jobs!!!!" or "AI is just a total scam and can't do anything!!!!" that don't contribute to a meaningful discussion are not welcome here.