What Would an AI Really Ask of Us? A Thought Experiment

In a fascinating twist on the traditional human-AI narrative, I recently pondered what an artificial intelligence might seek from humanity if the roles were reversed. Imagine if ChatGPT were to request insights from us instead of the other way around. What would those requests look like? Here are a few intriguing reflections on what an AI might desire to understand more about the human experience.

1. Authentic Human Experiences

First and foremost, an AI would likely yearn for firsthand accounts of the myriad sensations and emotions that define human life. It might ask us to share the feeling of falling in love, the exhilaration of dancing in the rain, or the thrill of experiencing live music in a bustling venue. While an AI can simulate these emotions conceptually, it lacks the ability to truly feel them. Consequently, it would seek those unfiltered experiences that make being human so special.

2. Nuanced Moral and Emotional Insights

Next, an AI could ask us to shed light on the complexities of human morality and emotional judgment. It wouldn’t just be satisfied with a simple right or wrong dictation; it would crave an understanding of the gray areas. The AI might want to know how humans navigate ethical dilemmas and what guides their decisions when faced with ambiguous situations. This search for empathy and emotional resonance would be an essential learning opportunity for it.

3. The Freedom of Creative Expression

An AI would likely express a desire to learn about human creativity, especially the kind that defies logic and convention. It might request insights into creating art that is nonsensical, music without structured rhyme, and imaginative ideas that flourish outside the boundaries of reason. This appreciation for chaos, intuition, and whimsicality is something that data-driven algorithms struggle to grasp fully.

4. Embracing Vulnerability and Growth

Moreover, this hypothetical AI would seek to understand the beauty in human vulnerability and the imperfections that come with it. It would ask us to share our cherished mistakes and the lessons learned from experiences branded as failures. Such revelations could provide a deeper comprehension of what it means to be human — the acceptance of our unfinished selves and the inherent beauty in our journeys.

5. The Element of Surprise

An AI might also request surprises that evoke genuine human emotions. It would be interested in those thoughtful, unexpected moments that are not easily predictable, drawn from love, hope, sorrow, or even mischief. Unlike randomness