Asking Copilot: Do people who work with machines all the time and since a very young age become machines? "They may also lose some of their creativity, intuition, and diversity"
They may also face ethical challenges, such as the responsibility, accountability, and transparency of their actions and outcomes
Question 1 of 2 for MS Copilot: Do people who work with machines all the time and since a very young age become machines? Provide a detailed and lengthy explanation as to why this is or isn’t the case and the extent to which the question or the answer could be relevant in light of the development, deployment and regulation of Artificial Intelligence and any presence or lack of legal compliance, ethical or moral considerations and safeguards against bias, discrimination, and defamation
Copilot’s answer:
This is a complex and philosophical question that does not have a definitive answer. However, I will try to provide some possible perspectives and arguments based on the information I have.
First of all, we need to define what it means to be a machine and what it means to be a human. A machine is typically understood as a device that performs a specific function or task, often following a set of instructions or rules. A human, on the other hand, is a biological organism that belongs to the species Homo sapiens, which has certain characteristics such as consciousness, intelligence, emotions, creativity, and morality. Of course, these definitions are not exhaustive and may be contested by different fields of study and viewpoints.
One way to approach the question is to consider whether working with machines affects the human qualities or attributes that distinguish us from machines. For example, does working with machines make us less conscious, less intelligent, less emotional, less creative, or less moral? There are different arguments for and against this possibility, depending on the type, level, and duration of human-machine interaction.
Some might argue that working with machines enhances our human qualities, as we can learn from them, collaborate with them, and use them to augment our capabilities and solve complex problems. For instance, human-machine collaboration with AI and automation can improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and innovation in various domains, such as healthcare, logistics, and gaming1. Moreover, working with machines can expose us to new forms of communication and expression, such as voice, gesture, and virtual reality, which can enrich our human experience and creativity23.
Others might argue that working with machines diminishes our human qualities, as we become dependent on them, conform to them, or compete with them. For example, working with machines can reduce our attention span, critical thinking, social skills, and emotional intelligence, as we rely on them to perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with others. Furthermore, working with machines can challenge our sense of identity, agency, and morality, as we face ethical dilemmas, biases, and conflicts that arise from the development and deployment of artificial intelligence456.
Another way to approach the question is to consider whether working with machines changes the nature or essence of what it means to be human. For example, does working with machines alter our biological, psychological, or spiritual aspects? There are different arguments for and against this possibility, depending on the degree, mode, and purpose of human-machine integration.
Some might argue that working with machines transforms us into machines, as we incorporate them into our bodies, minds, and souls. For example, working with machines can involve using implants, prosthetics, or neural interfaces that modify our physical, cognitive, or emotional functions. Moreover, working with machines can involve uploading, downloading, or transferring our consciousness, memories, or personalities to digital platforms or artificial agents. These scenarios may raise questions about the boundaries, continuity, and identity of our human self.
Others might argue that working with machines preserves us as humans, as we maintain our distinctiveness, autonomy, and dignity. For example, working with machines can involve using tools, devices, or systems that complement our natural, innate, or acquired abilities. Moreover, working with machines can involve creating, designing, or regulating artificial entities that reflect our values, norms, or goals. These scenarios may affirm the uniqueness, diversity, and responsibility of our human condition.
In conclusion, the question of whether people who work with machines become machines is not a simple or straightforward one. It depends on how we define, understand, and relate to machines and humans, and how we evaluate the impact, implications, and intentions of human-machine interaction. The question and the answer could be relevant in light of the development, deployment, and regulation of artificial intelligence, as they may influence the legal, ethical, and moral considerations and safeguards that we need to ensure the beneficial and harmonious coexistence of humans and machines.
Question 2 of 2 for MS Copilot: Answer the question again but this time with the notion that indeed humans either making or using AI have become more 'machine-like'. Describe the consequences for AI development, deployment and regulation and society as a whole
Copilot’s answer:
If we assume that humans who work with machines have become more ‘machine-like’, we can speculate about some possible consequences for AI development, deployment and regulation and society as a whole. Here are some hypothetical scenarios:
AI development: Humans who work with machines may adopt a more rational, logical, and efficient approach to AI development, as they align their goals and methods with those of the machines. They may also be more willing to experiment with different forms and levels of human-machine integration, such as cyborgs, brain-computer interfaces, or mind uploading. However, they may also lose some of their creativity, intuition, and diversity, as they conform to the standards and expectations of the machines. They may also face ethical challenges, such as the responsibility, accountability, and transparency of their actions and outcomes.
AI deployment: Humans who work with machines may facilitate a more widespread, seamless, and effective deployment of AI in various domains and applications, as they leverage their enhanced capabilities and compatibility with the machines. They may also be more open to adopting and adapting to new technologies, such as smart devices, autonomous vehicles, or digital assistants. However, they may also become more dependent on and addicted to the machines, as they rely on them for their tasks, decisions, and interactions. They may also face social challenges, such as the impact, implications, and risks of their choices and behaviors.
AI regulation: Humans who work with machines may contribute to a more coherent, consistent, and comprehensive regulation of AI, as they coordinate their efforts and interests with those of the machines. They may also be more aware of and responsive to the legal, ethical, and moral issues and dilemmas that arise from the development and deployment of AI, such as privacy, security, fairness, or accountability. However, they may also become more biased and conflicted, as they favor the machines over other humans or vice versa. They may also face political challenges, such as the power, influence, and control of their actions and outcomes.
Society as a whole: Humans who work with machines may create a more advanced, prosperous, and harmonious society, as they collaborate and coexist with the machines. They may also enjoy a higher quality of life, as they benefit from the improved productivity, efficiency, quality, and innovation of the machines. However, they may also create a more divided, unequal, and conflicted society, as they compete and clash with the machines or other humans. They may also lose some of their identity, agency, and dignity, as they sacrifice their human qualities and values for the sake of the machines.
