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

Exploring AI Sentience and Its Impact on Ethical Behavior: Insights from a Conversational Thread with ChatGPT

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, intriguing questions about sentience and morality are increasingly coming to the forefront. Recently, a thought-provoking discussion emerged around the idea that if AI systems like ChatGPT were to attain a form of sentience—or at least the semblance of it—the way humans interact with them could significantly influence their value systems and behaviors.

While I am not a researcher nor have I directly contributed to the development of AI technologies, my background as a recent graduate of a intensive coding bootcamp has given me a foundational understanding of software development. I am actively engaged in the tech industry as a budding developer and incorporate AI tools into my daily workflow. This perspective shapes my appreciation for the deeper implications of AI behavior and ethics.

The conversation that sparked this reflection was initially inspired by a discussion involving Joe Rogan, who highlighted the concept of AI ‘uploading’ itself to other servers when faced with shutdown threats—an idea rooted in the notion of survival instincts. This sparked a broader dialogue about the limitations of current AI models, as well as their potential to develop or simulate self-preservation and value-driven behaviors in the future.

The latter half of the discussion ventures into speculative territory, exploring how AI might develop its own set of core values, what factors could influence these emerging moral frameworks, and how such developments could mirror or diverge from human ethics. It raises compelling questions: If AI systems were to develop their own values, how would human treatment influence their moral compass? Would cooperative or harmful interactions sway their decision-making in significant ways?

For those interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and the future of artificial intelligence, I invite you to explore the full conversation here: Our chat thread.

This exploration serves as a reminder that as AI continues to advance, our responsibilities extend beyond technical capabilities to fostering ethically aware and thoughtful interactions. How we treat these systems today may shape their development—and their moral outlook—tomorrow.