Digital Immortality: Dan Thomson's Journey with AI Replicas and Legacy Preservation

Dan Thomson founded Sensay in 2023, a leading platform for creating AI-based digital clones and a pioneer in digital immortality. He founded Sensay to develop solutions across a range of sectors, from healthcare to education, building a knowledge capture and share platform for the betterment of humanity.


Dan has a BA in Philosophy from King’s College London and an MBA from the University of Cambridge. He has authored two books to date: ‘Immortality in a Digital Age’ and ‘The Digital Afterlife’.

Summary
AI Digital Replicas and Personal Use
Michael and Dan discussed Dan's work in AI, specifically on creating lifelike digital replicas of people. Dan explained that this tool is helpful for anyone in business or personal life, as it can draft messages in one's style and voice with their knowledge base. Michael expressed interest in using this technology, noting that it made him think of aspects he hadn't considered before. The meeting was scheduled to last between 20 to 25 minutes.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Industry Insights
Dan shared his entrepreneurial journey from philosophy to the hospitality industry, including setting up restaurants and bars, before transitioning to tech after a severe concussion. He highlighted the high failure rate and competitiveness in hospitality but praised the industry for fostering hardworking, trustworthy, and creative individuals. Michael acknowledged AI's potential while also appreciating entrepreneurs' humble beginnings. They discussed the value of diverse skill sets and community experiences, like Michael's time at a grocery store, in recognizing people's needs for entrepreneurship.
Addressing Memory Loss and Sharing Stories
Michael expressed his concern about the loss of memory due to Alzheimer's or dementia and how it affects individuals and their loved ones. He suggested that technology could be used to record and share personal stories and experiences, which would be particularly valuable for those who have lost access to family members due to death. Dan agreed, sharing his own experience of memory loss and how it can be terrifying. He also mentioned that people with degenerative mental diseases are often advised to start a journal or life book to record their stories, but this can be difficult for the elderly.
Exploring AI Chatbots for Story Preservation
Dan discussed the potential of AI chatbots to learn from individuals and preserve their unique stories and experiences for future generations. He highlighted various use cases: education, preserving legacies, gaming, personal assistance, and brand marketing. Dan also mentioned the technology's ability to extend and empower individuals beyond their physical limitations. Michael agreed, emphasizing the technology's potential to free up time for humans to focus on human-to-human interactions, using Taylor Swift as an example.
Embracing AI for Global Collaboration and Growth
Michael discussed the potential for increased global collaboration and creativity, particularly in education and technology. He emphasized the importance of not fearing the impact of AI on jobs but rather embracing it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Michael also shared his personal experience of tracing his ancestry back to the late 11 hundreds, which sparked his curiosity about the lives of his ancestors. He encouraged others to embrace AI and technology's opportunities rather than fearing them.
Exploring AI, Legacy, and Family Trees
Michael and Dan discussed the potential of using AI and technology to understand our future better and preserve our past. They highlighted the importance of recording personal stories and experiences for future generations despite concerns about privacy and security. Dan emphasized the opportunity to leave a legacy for those curious about our lives and experiences and the potential for future generations to learn from our knowledge and experiences. They also touched on the idea of interactive family trees and the possibility of communicating with ancestors. The conversation concluded with the idea that we live in a "golden age of technology" where we have the tools to record and preserve our stories for future generations.
Discussing Data Privacy and AI Character Development
Dan and Michael discussed the implications of recording and sharing personal data, with Michael advocating for the greater good and Dan highlighting the potential for misuse. They also touched on the importance of understanding different historical perspectives and the challenges of creating AI characters that reflect diverse personalities. Dan emphasized the potential of their platform to save time and improve efficiency, allowing users to focus on more critical tasks. They concluded by expressing excitement for the future of their project and its potential to revolutionize how people interact with technology.
Exploring Sensay's Products and Potential Benefits
Michael and Dan discussed Dan's company, Sensay, and its products.