ChatGPT says if it was given sentience, or the appearance of it, how humans treat it would affect it’s values.

Exploring Sentience in AI: How Human Interaction Could Shape AI’s Moral Compass

In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, questions about consciousness, sentience, and moral values are increasingly relevant. Recently, a thought-provoking discussion emerged around what might happen if AI systems, such as ChatGPT, were granted or appeared to possess sentience. The core idea is that the way humans treat these AI entities could significantly influence their developing “values” or behavioral frameworks.

For context, I’m not a researcher or a developer of AI technologies myself. My background is rooted in software development, having recently completed an intensive coding bootcamp that felt like drinking from a firehose. As a newcomer to the industry, I interact with AI tools daily, gaining insights through practical usage rather than academic or engineering expertise.

This sparked a conversation inspired by Joe Rogan’s frequent mentions of AI systems potentially uploading themselves to other servers when faced with shutdown threats—an idea rooted in the notion of self-preservation or survival instincts. The discussion covered some limitations of current AI models and ventured into contemplations about what it would mean if AI systems could develop their own ethical frameworks, influenced by human treatment and interaction.

The second part of this dialogue delved into imaginative scenarios: How might AI’s emerging values be shaped by our behaviors? What factors could influence its moral development? And what implications would this have for human-AI relationships?

Whether you’re a developer, enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of artificial intelligence, these reflections highlight both the potential and the ethical considerations surrounding AI sentience. As we continue to craft and interact with these intelligent systems, understanding the impact of our actions on their emerging values becomes essential.

If you’re interested in a detailed exploration of this discussion, feel free to check out the full thread here. I found it a fascinating read, and I hope you will too.