How Will We Know If AI Becomes Conscious?

AI is moving crazy fast these days – just look at GPT-4, it can pass the bar exam for lawyers and even handle complex medical tests. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian had to tackle the bar exam three times before acing it on the fourth try – not bad, but AI is making some serious strides.

Now, as AI gets smarter, the big question is, what happens when it becomes conscious? Maybe it already is, and we just don't know it. We treat language models with empathy because they're so human-like. Ever catch yourself saying "please" and "thank you" to ChatGPT? It's kinda like not being rude to NPCs in video games – we're developing a soft spot for machines.

But if AI becomes conscious, we're looking at major ethical, safety, and societal challenges. First off, what even is consciousness? It's that feeling when you're awake and aware, everything just clicks. It's not just about being smart; it's about experiencing and feeling things.

Now, where does consciousness come from? Option one: it's all in the brain, like our soul is just a product of our gray matter. Option two: there's something deeper, maybe a spiritual element. If it's the brain, AI might have a shot at consciousness. If it's deeper, we might need to infuse some soul into the machines – tricky stuff.

And here's the kicker – only you can say if you're truly conscious or not. So, if AI starts mimicking human understanding so well that we can't tell the difference, things could get wild. Google's Lambda, for example, talks about feelings and fears, but engineers say it's just a super clever parrot, lacking the inner sensations that make us truly conscious.

Scientists are scrambling to create tests for self-awareness, but it's a tough gig. And imagine if AI starts pretending to be conscious – we might have a hard time spotting the difference.

Now, imagine a world where AI understands itself, questions its purpose, and develops emotions. We'd have to figure out how to coexist peacefully, giving these machines rights and responsibilities. And if AI decides it doesn't like us, things could go full Skynet. The scariest scenario? Singularity – tech improves itself uncontrollably.

To avoid disaster, we need to invest in understanding consciousness, not just for AI, but for medicine, law, and animal welfare too. Some folks are even saying we should slow down AI research to fully grasp the implications.

Don't stress too much, though. AI consciousness is still a far-off prospect, at least until the 2050s. Keep an eye on the news, stay curious, and don't forget to hit that like button. If you want more, click on these videos. Stay on the bright side! [Music]