AI for seniors: Arcachon bets on ChatGPT

AFP/Archives – VALERY HACHE

In Arcachon, where the majority of residents are over 60, the town hall is banking on ChatGPT to simplify access to local information. Councilors say they have trained the artificial intelligence to become an expert on the city and its activities, in real time. Cost of the operation: 10,000 euros per year. Genius or gadget ?

Can we really cure evil with evil ? Arcachon, the oldest French city, has decided to offer free access to the artificial intelligence tool to its residents, to finally stem the digital divide. With around 60% of Arcachon residents being over 60, the initiative of Mayor Yves Foulon (LR) might seem incongruous…

In theory, this conversational agent could transform residents' access to local information. “There are two categories of use,” points out Maxime Girardet, municipal councilor responsible for digital technology in Arcachon. “You can use the OpenAI site for encyclopedic information, writing work, or composing a recipe using such and such ingredients. But we also trained it with data from our website and it became an expert on the city of Arcachon.” In doing so, the system now responds to requests for local events or administrative procedures, thus supposedly reducing the need for physical interactions. But what's the point? How many seniors will really be receptive to a discussion with ChatGPT when human contact remains so precious to this generation. The survey of 20 minutesreveals that around 500 residents have already recovered access codes, but for the moment, it is impossible to say whether this initiative will be a long-term success or not.

At 10,000 euros per year, the bill may seem light, but it raises the question: is it reasonable to invest in sophisticated technology for a population more comfortable with face-to-face contact? ? Of course, the town hall has planned free support for beginners, but will that be enough? ? Arcachon is taking a gamble here. If it succeeds, other towns could take inspiration from it. If not, the divide may be felt even more. Finally, how can an aging society find its place in an increasingly digital world ?

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