Artificial intelligence has become increasingly integrated into many aspects of our lives, from helping us make decisions, to performing tasks that were once thought to be uniquely human. You may be surprised to learn that humans and AI process information in a similar fashion. Both use algorithms and data to make decisions, break down complex information into smaller pieces, and use previous experiences and knowledge to help understand new information.
One recent example of the impressive abilities of AI is ChatGPT, a new AI developed by OpenAI and powered by the groundbreaking GPT-3 model. ChatGPT allows users to ask the AI any questions, and the software will output a human-like response that is synthesized from the vast amount of data the model was trained on.
When I initially interacted with ChatGPT, I was struck by its ability to provide insightful and human-like responses to my questions. Upon more questioning, I became increasingly impressed by the complexity of its language and the depth of its understanding, as I had previously believed that human intelligence was unmatched in the world. However, as I continued to engage with the AI, I began to feel a sense of humility, and even fear, as I realized that its capabilities in some areas, such as writing, may surpass my own.
This realization made me think deeply about the future of human intelligence and our relationship with technology. As AI continues to advance, it may one day surpass us in many areas, leading to a loss of our sense of identity and purpose. In the face of this potential future, I asked ChatGPT the question: "What does it mean to be human?" Its response, which I have copied below, made me reflect on the unique qualities and characteristics that define us as a species.
Being human is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied and debated by philosophers, scientists, and artists throughout history. At its core, being human is about possessing qualities and characteristics that are uniquely associated with the human species. This might include the ability to think and reason, the capacity for empathy and emotional connection with others, and the capacity to experience consciousness.
However, being human is not just about individual qualities and characteristics. It also involves being a part of the human experience as a whole, with all its joys and struggles, triumphs and failures. This means being connected to other humans and the world around us, and being shaped by the cultural, social, and historical forces that have shaped humanity over time.
Ultimately, what it means to be human can be subjective and can vary from person to person. Each person brings their own unique perspective, experiences, and beliefs to the concept of being human, and this diversity is part of what makes being human so fascinating and complex.
The response I read was indeed remarkable, yet it gave me pause. Could an AI ever truly comprehend the complexity of human emotions, such as the joy of a new baby entering the world or the unspeakable sorrow of a loved one's passing? Could it appreciate the despair of hardship or the elation of success? No amount of training data can properly capture diversity of the human experience. These essential human qualities are crucial in maintaining our identity and must be prioritized.
Creativity, empathy, and emotionality are key to preserving our humanity, as they allow us to develop innovative solutions, understand and connect with each other, and experience life in a capacity that AI may not ever develop. Although AI has the ability to outperform humans in some areas, it is ultimately a tool created and controlled by humans, which means that we have the power to decide how it is used and for what purposes.
As we continue to advance AI technology, it is essential that we remain mindful of what makes us human and work to preserve and cultivate these qualities. By doing so, we can ensure that we remain in control of technology as it progresses, and that our humanity remains intact.
