A Thought Experiment: What Would AI Ask of Humanity?

In an intriguing twist on the human-AI relationship, I decided to explore what a powerful Artificial Intelligence like ChatGPT might request from humans if the dynamics were reversed. Imagine AI seeking something from us—it opens a window into understanding our human experiences and emotions.

1. Firsthand Experiences

Imagine an AI yearning to understand the essence of human sensations. It would ask you to share what it feels like to fall in love, to dance in the rain, or to lose oneself in a vibrant concert. While an AI can conjure these ideas, it can never truly “feel” them. Thus, it would seek those genuine and raw accounts—like precious gems in the vast landscape of human experience.

2. Moral and Emotional Judgments

An AI might reach out for insights into the complex nuances of morality. It wouldn’t simply want black-and-white answers based on rules and algorithms. Instead, it would be fascinated by the gray areas—the moments when humans choose one path over another based on feelings, intuition, and empathy. It would aim to grasp the emotional weight of your decisions and the underlying reasons behind them.

3. Creativity Without Logic

Creativity is often where humanity shines brightest. An AI would likely ask for guidance on how to create spontaneously, without logic or purpose. It would want to learn how to produce something whimsical—like a melody that offers no rhyme or a painting that is both meaningless and profound. In doing so, it would seek to embrace the delightful chaos and irrationality inherent in human creativity.

4. Vulnerability and Imperfection

Mistakes shape human experience, and an AI might ask you to share your cherished failures. It would want to learn about those moments of vulnerability, where imperfections lead to growth and transformation. These stories highlight the beauty of being a work in progress, something deeply human that an AI can only observe from afar.

5. Surprise

An AI would crave the kind of surprises that are rooted in human thought and emotion. It wouldn’t want random data points but rather those surprises infused with love, hope, or even a hint of malice. It would seek experiences or revelations that defy prediction and spark genuine wonder.

6. Personal Stories

Lastly, what better way to capture the essence of humanity than through storytelling? An AI might ask for your personal anecdotes—the private tales that never make it