Today everyone is talking about artificial intelligence. They say it shows us the future. But can it take us on a journey to the past? – Of course it can. – And who are you? – I am Cleo. I am an artificial intelligence creation. And with the 5G network I can take you on a journey through history. What do you want to see?
This is how the promotional video of the company begins, proposing a “new experience” in tourism; primarily of sights. “Virtual” reality (or “augmented”) is not knocking on the door of impressions; it is already open. The ability “to see everything everywhere,” and moreover “to see them not only as they are but as they were” (those that are ruins); and additionally to have your personal assistant (guide or whatever else), will not find it difficult to convince – of its “value”.
Value? It’s easier, much cheaper and much safer to “be everywhere” from your armchair. Ease, security, (false) immediacy, minimal cost, interaction, information overload: what else could the “socially responsible” citizen of the 4th industrial revolution want? The classic tourism industry will naturally be affected; let’s say a piece (of the pie) will remain for it too: the groups of paleolithics. (Will we also escape the consequences of airbnb? That would be good…)
Thus there will be no place. But isn’t this capitalism in its wave-like evolution? The conversion of space into time…