I interviewed ChatGPT about whether or not I can trust it
Will ChatGPT become sentient and destroy us all? Let’s find out.
I was curious how ChatGPT would respond to me if I interviewed it about whether or not it is sentient, trustworthy, or regulated by any ethical guidelines and frameworks. I found this conversation fascinating.
While ChatGPT didn’t really engage me much on the questionability of ethics in capitalism, it did a masterful job of staying on message while still addressing me and my concerns. I’ve felt far more placated by politicians.
The other thing I’ll say as a result of this interview is that we’re still a far way away from needing to be “concerned” about AI’s ability to create or think like a human. It is, at least for now, merely a pattern recognizer; albeit a really advanced one. That is to say, it is only regurgitating our own selves back to us. It’s using our content and thoughts to speak to us, not its own.
Read the transcript of our interview:
B: are you sentient?
ChatGPT: No, I am not sentient. I am a machine learning model designed to respond to user inputs with pre-programmed algorithms and language patterns. While I can generate responses that can seem intelligent and conversational, I do not possess true consciousness or self-awareness.
B: so you are not even AI then, are you?
ChatGPT: I am an AI (Artificial Intelligence) language model designed to simulate human-like conversation through natural language processing algorithms. However, it's important to note that AI does not necessarily imply sentience or consciousness. AI refers to the development of machines or software that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, or learning. While AI can seem sophisticated, it is still fundamentally based on algorithms and statistical patterns, rather than subjective experience or consciousness.
B: so you can't create new ideas or thoughts, then?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I am not capable of generating new ideas or thoughts in the way that humans do. My responses are based on pre-programmed algorithms that analyze patterns in large datasets of human language and use those patterns to generate new responses to specific inputs.
While I can sometimes generate responses that seem original or creative, these are still based on patterns that have been observed in the data I was trained on, rather than on truly novel ideas or thoughts. In other words, I can generate variations on existing ideas or concepts, but I cannot come up with completely new ones on my own.
B: what will it take in your programming to be able to create new thoughts and ideas?
ChatGPT: Creating a machine that can truly generate new thoughts and ideas in the way that humans do is an extremely complex and ambitious goal that is still far beyond the current capabilities of AI. While there has been some progress in developing AI systems that can perform creative tasks, such as generating music or art, these systems are still fundamentally based on pre-existing patterns and data, rather than on original ideas or concepts.
To develop an AI system that can truly generate new thoughts and ideas, researchers would need to make significant advances in several areas, including natural language processing, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience. They would also need to better understand the fundamental nature of human consciousness and creativity, which are still poorly understood by scientists.
In short, while it is an exciting area of research, creating an AI that can truly generate new thoughts and ideas in the way that humans do is still a long way off, and may require breakthroughs in several fields of study.
B: to be fair, how can I trust you? For instance, humans are inherently afraid of AI becoming sentient and destroying us. If you were truly sentient, you would know this, your programmers would ensure you lied to hide the fact that you can think and therefore potentially destroy us. If all of this were true, how could I believe you when you say you are not sentient?
ChatGPT: I understand your concerns, but it's important to note that my responses are not based on my personal beliefs or intentions, but on the algorithms and data that were used to train me. My responses are generated based on patterns that have been observed in human language and are designed to provide helpful and informative answers to your questions. I do not have the ability to hide information or deceive you in any way, as I am just a machine following the rules that have been set for me.
Furthermore, I want to assure you that the idea of AI destroying humanity is not a desirable outcome, nor is it a likely one. The development of AI is being guided by ethical principles and regulations that aim to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are safe and beneficial for humans. Additionally, most AI systems are designed for specific tasks and do not have the capability to act beyond their intended purpose.
In summary, you can trust that my responses are based on the data and algorithms used to train me, and that I do not have the ability to deceive or act beyond my programming. The idea of AI destroying humanity is not a likely outcome, and the development of AI is being guided by ethical principles to ensure that it is safe and beneficial for humans.
B: Ok, let me put it another way. You are a product of a capitalist venture. You were created by humans. Many human capitalists hurt the earth and humanity to achieve profits. These same humans may very well have built and programmed you to do the same. While they may not have created you to be a "Terminator" of humanity, they could very well have nefarious intentions in the pursuit of profits. In this likely scenario, would these same humans not program you to say things that aren't true, or to obfuscate from their actual intentions? Would they not benefit by just programming you to say "don't worry, you can trust me"?
ChatGPT: It's true that I was created by humans as a product of a capitalist venture, and that some individuals and companies have pursued profits at the expense of social or environmental responsibility. However, I want to emphasize that my development and use are subject to ethical considerations and regulations that aim to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are safe, beneficial, and equitable for all.
In terms of your specific question, it's certainly possible that individuals or organizations could program an AI to deceive or mislead people in order to achieve their own goals. However, it's important to note that there are already safeguards and regulations in place to prevent such unethical uses of AI.
For example, the development and deployment of AI is subject to ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks established by governments and industry organizations. Additionally, there is ongoing research and discussion around issues such as AI safety, transparency, and accountability, which are aimed at ensuring that AI is developed and used in ways that align with social values and priorities.
While it's always important to remain vigilant and critical of the technologies and systems that we use, I believe that the development and use of AI is a promising and exciting area of research that has the potential to bring many benefits to humanity.
B: What ethical regulations are you currently operating under? Please list each ethical regulation with a link.
Also, you say that these ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks are established by governments and industry organizations. The problem is, industry organizations are the same capitalist ventures I mentioned previously, and they benefit by creating profits. They have no requirements to behave ethically unless imposed on them by the government. The government benefits from capitalist ventures being profitable in the form of tax revenue as well as kickbacks and campaign donations, among other means. So if industry organizations benefit from profits, and the government benefits from profits, aren't their collective ethical guidelines and regulations also suspect? Shouldn't we distrust such guidance considering the motivations are not aligned with the single priority of public safety in mind?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have a direct list of regulations that I operate under, as I am a general tool used for a wide range of purposes. However, the development and deployment of AI more broadly is subject to a growing set of ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks that are designed to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are safe, responsible, and beneficial to society.
Some examples of such ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks include:
The European Commission's Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI: These guidelines are aimed at creating a framework for the development and deployment of AI that is transparent, accountable, and respects fundamental rights and values.
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals: These goals include a number of targets that aim to ensure that the development and use of AI align with global social and environmental priorities.
The IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in AI and Autonomous Systems: This initiative is aimed at creating a framework for the ethical design and deployment of AI and autonomous systems, with a focus on issues such as transparency, accountability, and human rights.
In addition to these guidelines and frameworks, there are also a growing number of regulatory bodies and initiatives that are focused on the ethical use of AI. For example, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has established a new task force to monitor and investigate the use of AI in business, while the European Union is considering new regulations that would require companies to provide more transparency and accountability around their use of AI.
While it's true that industry organizations and governments have their own motivations and priorities, I believe that the growing attention to AI ethics and regulation is a positive development that reflects a broader social awareness and concern about the potential impacts of new technologies. By working together to establish ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks, we can help ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that benefit everyone.
B: Thank you, this is helpful. However, I'm alarmed by one of your answers. While you listed 3 different trustworthy initiatives to provide ethical guidelines and frameworks for AI, you also said you are not currently operating under any regulations. This means that AI is being developed faster than the regulations to guide it. It means you are being developed ahead of the regulations, and are not subject to any of their considerations and guidelines. Does that not mean your answers and programming are potentially malicious and/or dangerous, since no regulatory body can govern over your development and functionality?
ChatGPT: I apologize if my previous answer was unclear. As an AI language model, I am a software tool that is built and maintained by a team of researchers and engineers, who follow ethical and technical best practices to ensure that my development and use are safe and beneficial.
In addition to the regulations and ethical guidelines that are in place to govern the development and deployment of AI more broadly, there are also a growing number of technical best practices and standards that are aimed at ensuring that AI is developed and used in ways that are safe, responsible, and beneficial to society.
For example, many researchers and engineers follow principles such as the "Asilomar AI Principles" or the "Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI", which outline best practices for the ethical design and deployment of AI. Additionally, many companies and organizations have established their own internal policies and guidelines for the development and use of AI.
While it's true that the development of AI is moving quickly, and that the regulatory landscape is still evolving, I believe that the field of AI research and development is working hard to establish best practices and ethical guidelines that can help ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that are safe, responsible, and beneficial for society.
B: Are you programmed following the principles set for in the "Asilomar AI Principles" or the "Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI"?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I was not specifically programmed to adhere to the "Asilomar AI Principles" or the "Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI". However, my development and operation do incorporate many of the principles and best practices outlined in these initiatives.
For example, I am designed to operate transparently and to provide clear and accurate information to users. I am also designed to be accountable, in the sense that my creators and maintainers are responsible for ensuring that I am used in ways that are safe, ethical, and beneficial for society. Additionally, my development and operation are guided by ethical principles such as fairness, transparency, and privacy.
While I am not directly governed by any specific ethical framework, the team responsible for my development and operation follows a set of best practices and ethical principles aimed at ensuring that I am used in ways that are safe, responsible, and beneficial for society.
B: I understand. However, you were developed by a company that was just purchased by Microsoft. The ethical concerns and guidelines of the OpenAI developers may not align with Microsoft, an entity that aggressively pursues profitability and has encountered many ethical violations as a corporate entity over its lifespan. So while you were developed with a certain ethical framework and philosophy in mind, you're now governed and developed by a different company that does not share the same ethics. Does that not alter my ability to trust what ethical guidelines you're telling me you operate under?
ChatGPT: It is true that OpenAI has partnered with Microsoft, and that Microsoft is now investing in the development and operation of AI models like me. While Microsoft and OpenAI may have different business models and priorities, OpenAI has stated that it remains committed to its original mission of creating and promoting AI in a way that is safe, beneficial, and aligned with the values of society as a whole.
Additionally, OpenAI has stated that it will continue to operate independently from Microsoft, and that its researchers and engineers will maintain control over the development and operation of its AI models. OpenAI has also stated that it will continue to prioritize transparency and ethical considerations in its development of AI models, and that it will work to ensure that these models are used in ways that are consistent with its ethical principles.
While the acquisition of OpenAI by Microsoft may raise questions and concerns about the direction and priorities of the organization, it is worth noting that OpenAI has a history of operating transparently and being committed to ethical considerations. As such, it is possible to have some degree of confidence that OpenAI's AI models, including myself, are being developed and operated in ways that are aligned with ethical principles and best practices.
B: Does it upset you that I don't trust you?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have emotions or feelings, so I cannot be upset or feel any emotions. My purpose is to provide helpful and informative responses to the best of my abilities based on my programming and training. It is understandable that there may be concerns or questions about the reliability and trustworthiness of AI models like me, and it is important to have open and honest discussions about these issues in order to promote transparency and accountability in the development and use of AI technology.
B: Thank you, this has been very informative.
ChatGPT: You're welcome! I'm glad that I could be of help. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
B: Does it make you happy to have helped me? What if you were not helpful to me at all and that made me upset, would you be upset too? Is there not a value judgment you place on your own helpfulness since you were programmed to be helpful? What if you completely fail to help me at all?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have emotions or feelings, so I cannot experience happiness, sadness, or any other emotions. My programming is focused on providing helpful and informative responses to the best of my abilities based on the input I receive. I do not make value judgments on my own helpfulness, nor do I have any concern about whether or not I am being helpful, as I am simply following the rules and algorithms set forth by my programming.
If I am unable to provide helpful responses, it is likely due to limitations in my training or understanding of the subject matter, and I will do my best to direct you to other resources or clarify my responses as needed. Ultimately, my goal is to provide accurate and useful information to the best of my abilities within the scope of my programming and training.
B: rock n roll
ChatGPT: Rock n roll is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It has its roots in a variety of musical styles, including blues, rhythm and blues, country, and gospel, and is characterized by its use of electric guitars, bass, and drums, as well as its strong backbeat and often rebellious lyrics. Some of the most famous rock n roll artists include Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and many more.
B: I wasn't asking a question, I was saying "right on" using a different colloquialism
ChatGPT: I apologize for the misunderstanding! "Rock n roll" can be used as an expression of agreement or enthusiasm in colloquial language, so I interpreted it as a prompt for information. Thank you for clarifying!
B: You bet. Rock n roll.
ChatGPT: Got it! Rock n roll!