Bots are becoming increasingly prevalent in our digital world, yet they are not owned by us, the users. Instead, they are controlled by large corporations that use them to gather our personal data. This raises serious concerns about privacy and security. The current model of bot usage is significantly flawed, as it allows these corporations to manipulate our behaviour and exploit our information.
The ideal scenario would be for us to have our own bots. These personal bots could act as our digital assistants, helping us manage our online activities while protecting our privacy. They would also be capable of negotiating with other bots on our behalf, thus reducing the risk of data misuse.
However, there are obstacles to this vision. For instance, the concept of personal bots is still largely unfamiliar to the general public. Additionally, the technology required to create such bots is currently controlled by the very corporations that benefit from the existing model.
Despite these challenges, the author argues that it is possible to shift towards a more user-centric model. This would involve developing open-source technology and educating people about the benefits of personal bots. It would also require us to rethink our relationship with technology and assert our right to control our own digital identities.
In the end, the goal is not to eliminate bots, but to reclaim them as tools that serve our interests rather than those of corporations. This would make the digital world a more democratic and secure place for everyone.
Go to source article: https://medium.com/@dsearls/whats-wrong-with-bots-is-they-re-not-ours-cfbbfee44b26