It seems like the AI arms race is still on. Deepmind, an AI research laboratory owned by Google, is testing an AI chatbot that offers AI answers to users. Such answers range from giving life advice to responding to human personal questions. Sounds good or bad? I cannot say for now, but it raises questions.
What perspective will the AI chatbot offer to give life advice? Will it be toward more Christian, conservative, liberal, far-left, far-right views, or what? I do not know, but is giving advice the best course of action? It does not have the human life experience as well as the human touch. It learns the structure and traits of human language through data. It does not apply the concepts to daily life like people do. Its emotional depth and empathy may be limited due to the data it received.
Then again, how can I say that this AI chatbot lacks empathy, understanding, and compassion compared to human empathy? In today’s society, it is hard to talk to anyone without fear of being censored or cancelled online or in public. The definition of hate speech and offensive words is now subjective and broadened to the point where it is hard to define their true concept. Misandry, misogyny, and misanthropy are not uncommon. Individuals date and marry AI for various reasons, which raises a question about humanity today. Is it on the decline around the world?
What guidance will this AI chatbot offer across cultures to bring humanity back? What advice will it offer to those who believe in religious versus non-religious values? How can it help others who are experiencing culture shock? Different cultures and generations have different worldviews about the meaning of life, career change, peer pressure, aging, friendship, etc. This goes for people from different or the same ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds as they go through their life journey.
It is not known how well Google’s upcoming AI chatbot will perform. It may offer comfort or lift someone up by giving good advice, just like some individuals who offer good suggestions to others. However, the thought of it giving bad advice cannot be ignored. This goes for individuals who offer poor tips or information that leads to a ruinous outcome and raises a debate or issue. Can AI chatbots give better advice than humans, and vice versa? It depends on how they view each other, with the addition of how people view other people and society.
Sources:
Google Wants to Control You: DeepMind AI ‘Life Coach’ Will Provide Advice and Instruction
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