AI can tell your story; Autobiographer, a startup, uses AI to engage users in conversations about their life events and emotions, turning these into prose to create autobiographies
The domain in which the startup is venturing has been a source of contention; numerous individuals have opposed the notion that AI could supplant artistic, literary, and other creative pursuits.
However, in the case of the Autobiographer, the AI prompts the user to compose their narrative using their own words.
Subsequently, the output is structured and can be exported as a PDF file and potentially printed and bound in the future. But, it functions more like a collaborator than an independent creator.
While the application may not completely supplant meticulously crafted narratives, it could function as a means to record familial heritage or companionship or even produce a memento for offspring.
The co-founder and chief executive officer of Autobiographer Matt Bowman views the application as a means to impart a story to his godchildren.
Before joining Facebook in the Bay Area, Bowman was a member of the Army Special Forces, during which time he was stationed in both Afghanistan and Iraq. His worldview has been significantly influenced by the tragedies he has endured.
“A great deal of the humorous, one-of-a-kind, and incredible tales I have regarding my military friends were shared with us at the memorials of some of my closest companions.
“At this time, it is my responsibility to devise a method for synthesizing those substances and presenting them to my godchildren,” Bowman asserts. He desires for them to have the opportunity to learn more about their father, including his military career and personal life.
“The technology has evolved to the point where this is now feasible,” Bowman explains. “By, in fact, narrating these stories orally and transforming them into exquisite mementos to present to others, we can accomplish this.”
Bowman partnered with James Barnes, an individual previously employed at Facebook during the 2016 and 2018 elections.
Barnes was particularly noteworthy for being among the first to identify the problems associated with the Cambridge Analytica data harvesting scandal, which prompted his participation in several depositions and subpoenas.
After leaving Facebook, he established a Super PAC to oppose Trump. While experimenting with OpenAI’s GPT-3, he discovered that artificial intelligence could assist him in processing personal experiences, such as these significant events.
Barnes states, “Artificial intelligence possessed this extraordinary reflective capacity to perceive myself, my story, and my events.”
Barnes and Bowman met last year in San Francisco, even though they were not colleagues at Facebook.
Barnes was looking for someone with military experience to assist the team (including co-founders Luke Schoenfelder and Ivan Almaral) in experimenting with using AI for storytelling.
Their shared interests in psychedelic medicine and other experiences fostered a connection between the two individuals.
Barnes explains, “Exploring consciousness was a central connection point for us.” He says, “As we develop these extremely tangible things, we can also consider how our platform could enable users to engage in introspection and perform more abstract, personal work.”
By conversing with an AI agent powered by Anthropic technology, the application requires users to narrate a narrative. For example, the initial prompt might request an account of a personal adventure, emphasizing the absence of a definitive correct or incorrect response.
You may begin speaking, pause and resume recording, or proceed to another query.
The memories are securely stored in a vault, an encrypted and biometrically protected area that is inaccessible even to Autobiographer personnel.
Bowman states, “When James, Luke, Ivan, and I came together, one of the most important values was the clear understanding that no one will reveal their most intimate and sensitive memories or cherished memories to something that is advertised or that a group of engineers can see on the back end.”
Utilizing the application, users can revisit subjects, ruminate on recollections, and transform them into prose, such as a heartfelt letter of appreciation or a short narrative. Currently, these are being distributed in PDF format; however, the group intends to offer a printed edition eventually.
The annual fee for an autobiographer is $199, which is undoubtedly less than that of a ghostwriter but is still substantial enough to deter some.
Additionally, a journalist, Katie Couric, has joined the organization as a promotional partner for the budding enterprise. However, her function is still being determined.
Although the organization that operates Autobiographer was established 35 months ago, it has experienced several changes. The app’s most recent iteration debuted today was in development for one year.
Four firms have contributed $4 million in pre-seed financing to Autobiographer.