A new study by the University of Waterloo researchers revealed that most people believe artificial intelligence (AI) tools are conscious.
The study, which specifically examined beliefs on the consciousness and cognitive capabilities of AI tools like ChatGPT, has revealed intriguing insights into how the general population perceives AI.
Most People in the US Believe That AI Is Conscious
According to research led by Dr. Clara Colombatto, professor of psychology at Waterloo's Arts faculty, and her colleague, Dr. Steve Fleming of University College London, two-thirds of people surveyed in the United States believed that AI tools possess some degree of consciousness.
This belief extends to AI's ability to experience subjective phenomena such as emotions and memories, which is a notion that contrasts with prevailing expert opinions in the field. The study highlights a crucial divergence between public perception and academic consensus regarding AI.
While experts typically emphasize that current AI lacks true consciousness and subjective experience, the study's findings underscore a prevalent belief among the public that AI systems like ChatGPT exhibit human-like mental attributes.
Colombatto, a psychology professor at Waterloo, noted that these attributions of consciousness to AI could have profound implications for how individuals interact with technology.
The study suggests frequent interaction with AI tools may influence perceptions of their cognitive capabilities, potentially fostering stronger emotional connections and trust in these technologies. The implications of these findings extend beyond theoretical debates about AI's nature to practical considerations in AI development and regulation.
The research noted that understanding public attitudes toward AI consciousness is crucial for policymakers and ethicists tasked with shaping guidelines that govern AI technologies' ethical use and societal impact.
Moreover, the study raised ethical questions about the responsibilities of attributing consciousness to AI. If individuals perceive AI as capable of subjective experiences, what ethical considerations should guide its development and deployment?
These questions are particularly pertinent as AI continues to play an increasingly integral role in various sectors, from customer service and healthcare to finance and education.
How Language Can Influence Perceptions
Colombatto pointed out that the findings highlight how language can influence perceptions, suggesting that mere interaction can prompt the belief that an entity operating differently from humans might possess cognitive faculties.
Additionally, she emphasized that consciousness and emotions are tied to critical intellectual capacities necessary for ethical frameworks, such as planning, acting intentionally, and exhibiting self-control. Colombatto argued that public sentiments, alongside expert evaluations, should be integral to the development and governance of AI technologies.
Future research endeavors aim to delve deeper into these dynamics, exploring how public attitudes towards AI consciousness evolve over time and across different global contexts. The findings of the study were published in the journal Neuroscience of Consciousness.
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