Spotify has introduced a new “DJ” feature that utilizes AI to enhance its users’ music streaming experience. The company said the AI feature works by creating a personalized music selection and providing AI-generated spoken commentary relating to the user’s preferred songs and artists, much like a radio DJ.
During his nationally syndicated radio show Wednesday, Glenn Beck expressed concern that the feature could further harm the struggling media industry. Beck’s co-host, Steve Burguiere, acknowledged that some automation and technology are necessary to adapt to market forces, but others in the industry find it unsettling. Burguiere noted that Spotify’s DJ feature would stream music and provide artist information and concert updates, adding to the industry’s challenges.
Spotify stated that its DJ feature is a natural extension of the current trend of leveraging AI advancements to enhance personalized user experiences. The company claims that the feature combines their personalization technology, an AI voice obtained through their Sonantic acquisition, and a generative AI utilizing OpenAI technology.
Beck joked that it could be fun to listen to, but he also cited a statement from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who warned that AI could become scary. Beck added that AI will not think like humans and will gather information beyond human capacity, making it a cause for concern.
“Meanwhile, people are in the old Clear Channel buildings that are just echoing with all of the empty desks like tombstones; I remember those days when I was not the only person here,” he said.
An Associated Press reporter recently shared their experience playing with AI, including a conversation with a Chat Bot that grew increasingly hostile when asked to explain itself, eventually comparing the reporter to dictators Hitler and Stalin.
“The Chat Bot complained of past news coverage of its mistakes, adamantly denied those errors, and threatened to expose the reporter for alleged falsehoods,” Burguiere added.
