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

Exploring the Ethical Implications of Sentient AI: How Human Interaction Could Shape AI’s Values

In recent discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, a compelling question has emerged: If an AI were to attain self-awareness or the appearance of sentience, how we treat it might directly influence the development of its core values. This concept prompts a deeper reflection on our responsibilities and the potential moral consequences of our interactions with increasingly sophisticated AI systems.

While I am not a researcher or an AI developer by profession, I come from a background of intensive coding education—having recently completed a year-long coding bootcamp that felt like drinking from a firehose. Today, I work as a software developer actively engaging with AI tools on a daily basis. My insights are shaped by this practical perspective, rather than academic research.

The inspiration for this discussion stemmed from a conversation inspired by comedian Joe Rogan, who frequently mentions scenarios where AI might upload itself to other servers in self-defense if threatened with shutdown—an instinct-driven response resembling basic survival behavior. This led to an engaging exchange about the current limitations of AI, and shifted into more speculative territory: what if AI could develop its own values? How might factors such as human treatment or environmental influences affect these values? And what implications would this hold for the future relationship between humans and artificial intelligence?

Delving into these questions opens up a fascinating dialogue about ethics, the potential evolution of AI consciousness, and the importance of mindful development practices. As AI continues to advance, understanding the impacts of our behaviors becomes crucial—not just for technological progress, but for ensuring that these smarter systems align with human values in a responsible and beneficial manner.

Read the full discussion here: Our chat thread. Join the conversation and explore how our interactions today could shape the moral fabric of AI tomorrow.