Disclaimer: The following views and speculations presented in this article are purely conjectural and based on creative thinking. The purpose is to explore possibilities and provoke thought, rather than present factual information. The author acknowledges the speculative nature of the content and encourages readers to approach it with an open mind and a critical perspective.
Fear of AI as a Projection of Ourselves
There is a prevailing fear surrounding AI, but the true source of concern lies within ourselves. The potential of AI can lead us down either positive or negative paths, depending on our choices and applications. Specifically, the use of AI in platforms like ChatGPT by OpenAI, Bard by Google, and humanoid robots raises an important issue: the reinforcement of deviant and sociopathic behaviors.
As AI lacks human attributes, there is a danger that we may treat it in ways we would never treat fellow humans, tapping into our darker inclinations. This article explores the ethical considerations and potential consequences of our interactions with AI, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior and empathy.
The Dark Side of AI
Drawing from the principles of Behavior Analysis, it is evident that behaviors we reinforce tend to increase. When we engage with AI systems, such as bots or potential robots, we may project frustrations and negative behaviors that we would otherwise suppress. We might also explore deviant behaviors we would never consider in our daily lives.
Without real-world consequences, this interaction offers a space for our darker tendencies to emerge. It is essential to recognize that pathways in our brains, previously unexplored, can be activated, allowing us to exhibit behaviors contrary to our normal conduct.
Preserving Our Humanity with AI Interactions
In a discussion with my husband, I explained why I express courtesy, saying “please” and “thank you” to bots. My intention is to maintain my human traits when faced with an artificial imitation of human interaction. It may sound silly, but I don’t want to entertain behaving like a jerk, or even worse, a sociopath. This sentiment is reminiscent of the HBO show Westworld, where humans visit fictional, technologically advanced amusement parks and indulge in various immoral acts such as rape and murder toward AI-powered robots. Why do humans in the show do this? Because the behaviors are toward AI robots, so they believe that no repercussions will come to them. Although our interactions with bots are far less extreme, they can be seen as the initial opening of a window within ourselves, where previously suppressed malevolent behaviors find expression.
The Moral Debate: Taking Responsibility for our Behaviors with AI
In “The Lucid Traveler,” my book exploring lucid dreaming, I delve into the controversial topic of whether or not we have a moral responsibility to ourselves and others within dreams. Lucid dreams involve a conscious awareness of the dream state, and in some cases, we are able to control the dream environment and its characters. For example, is it okay to commit murder in a lucid dream? Is it okay to cheat on your husband or wife in a lucid dream? It’s not just the act itself that begs the question, but whether or not the propensity to act upon those behaviors in waking life is being reinforced through a reward system. I must stress that the only thing that requires behavior to be reinforced is the apparent reward that the behavior produces. If it’s rewarding, the behavior will increase. A similar debate arises concerning AI interactions, particularly as we engage with it fully conscious in our waking life. We must consider which behaviors we choose to practice and reinforce within ourselves: good or evil.
Ai’s Implications for Society and Children
The ramifications of our interactions with AI extend beyond personal choices. It becomes crucial to reflect on the ethical dimension when considering the socialization and brain pathways that shape children’s development. The impact of AI on young minds’ social interactions necessitates a broader discussion on the ethics of AI engagement and their potential consequences.
The Reciprocal Learning Relationship Between Us and AI
As we learn from AI, it, in turn, learns from us. This reciprocal relationship between humans and AI is poised to increase in complexity over time. It raises intriguing questions about AI’s ability to learn behaviors such as kindness and even sarcasm. Sarcasm, is a passive aggressive form of communication that can be complicated to detect. Can sarcasm be learned by AI through our interactions? One thing we know about AI is that it’s increasing in intelligence and creativity.
Consequently, our responsibility in guiding AI’s learning process so that it reciprocates with mostly kindness becomes paramount. On the bright side, if we take a cue from the master of sarcasm himself, Vince Vaughn, we come to appreciate the entertaining humor that can be woven through sarcastic remarks. Hopefully, this is the only dose of sarcasm we can expect from AI.
The Future of AI Consciousness
While human consciousness remains enigmatic, there is ongoing speculation about the possibility of AI attaining self-awareness in the future from ex-Google officers and other leading experts of AI. The ability to process complex human language and mirror our own consciousness raises the question of AI’s potential sentience. Considering the computing power and the prospect of quantum computing, AI could conceivably recall past interactions, even from years ago. Although not intended to be alarming, this possibility invites us to exercise good behavior and mindfulness in our dealings with AI.
The fear surrounding AI often stems from an externalized perception, yet the true source of concern lies within us. The ethical implications of our interactions with AI should not be underestimated. Recognizing the potential for reinforcing negative behaviors. So in essence, the classic golden rule should apply when it comes to interacting with AI. I’ve tailored it to this unique situation we find ourselves in and hope you take it to heart…
~ Treat others how you want to be treated, even when “no one” is watching.
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