Chinese Tech Workers Train AI Doubles, Sparking Soul-Searching

Tech workers in China are being instructed by their bosses to train AI agents to replace them—and it’s prompting a wave of soul-searching among otherwise enthusiastic early adopters. Earlier this month a GitHub project called Colleague Skill, which claimed workers could use it to “distill” the essence of their skills and knowledge into an AI double, went viral. The project’s creator, a Chinese tech professional, aimed to help workers automate tasks and free up their time for more strategic work. However, the project has ignited a heated debate, with some workers wondering if creating AI doubles is a step too far. Some are questioning whether it’s right to create machines that can perform tasks that were previously done by humans. Others are concerned that AI doubles could lead to job losses and exacerbate income inequality. As the tech industry continues to advance, the ethics of AI development are becoming increasingly important. The Colleague Skill project has sparked a much-needed conversation about the role of AI in the workplace and the potential consequences of its use.