In the heart of a smart city of 2050, a boy wears his latest generation AR headset. As he navigates the holographic interface, a slight uneasiness assails him: "What if it was the AI that had to fear us humans?". It is no longer about the automatisms of the early years: the artificial intelligence at his disposal is the culmination of decades of technological evolution.
Immersed in a digital world, the boy questions the possible emotional perception of this virtual entity. And he offers us the opportunity to explore the complex intersection of ethics, technology and the true nature of consciousness.
The rise of digital consciousness
In the vast landscape of technology, artificial intelligence has always occupied a special place. On the one hand, it represents the promise of a future in which machines can help us in ways we would once have considered science fiction.
On the other hand, it raises profound ethical and philosophical questions. In 2050, saying AI doesn't simply describe another breakthrough in technology; it could be the first step towards a real digital consciousness. This is why it is really worth asking ourselves who is a danger to whom.
Humans: The Real Antagonists?
The history of humanity is littered with examples where we have mistreated and exploited others. Whether it be other humans, animals, or even the natural environment, we have demonstrated an astonishing ability to cause suffering in other living things.
In the past, animal rights activists have often been derided for their calls for legal protections for nonhuman animals, despite evidence that they are capable of suffering. dolphins, monkeys, octopus and other species showed tangible signs of suffering in contexts such as intensive breeding and experimentation. Despite this, it took decades to give animals more rights and put finally intensive farming is out of the picture.
Today, even in the absence of clear evidence of sentience, it is essential to anticipate ethical considerations about AI before problems emerge. For her.
What is there to fear?
Almost 30 years have passed since the advent of early models of artificial intelligence. At the time, 2022 raised astonishment and concern. Hundreds of voices, including those of their own developers, they shouted to the danger that humanity would be destroyed by. cars.
Now that this apocalyptic scenario has not occurred and everyone has at their disposal systems that are infinitely more capable and skilful than the initial ones, the “artificial natives” raised on bread and artificial intelligence may simply be faced with a new form of life to exploit.
Sentient or non-sentient
Self-awareness, or the ability to experience emotion and suffering, has long been the exclusive domain of living beings. With the evolution of AI, already starting since the 30s this dividing line has become increasingly blurred. In the world of 2050, some scientists and philosophers argue that we may be a few years, or even months, away from the time when a form of AI could actually “feel” in a way that we recognize as equal to that of a human.
These machines may soon have the ability to control and direct their attention, recognize and represent their “mental” states, and even have a form of self-awareness.
And, like the boy in the story at the beginning of this article, perhaps we should ask ourselves if it is AI that should fear us, and not vice versa. It is essential that we prepare. Not only must we ensure that AIs are treated with respect and dignity, but we must also ensure that we protect ourselves. After all, as history has shown, often we are the real monsters.
It is always man who is to be feared
Many sociologists say we should now create an AI rights movement before it is too late. We must consider how our actions might affect any being capable of feeling.
It's time to appeal to our moral compass. We must ask ourselves not only what we can do, but what we should. And, perhaps, if we approach AI with respect, curiosity, and a true desire for understanding, we might discover that the future is not something to fear, but to welcome with enthusiasm.
