The Space Between Us

OK, I admit. I am not starting this from a neutral standpoint. Let me tell you about a conversation I had a few days ago which is by no means the first of its kind. It started by my admission that I had just asked AI to make a recommendation for me when I couldn’t make a decision:

Her: Oh, I use AI for everything. They are basically my therapist. Me: I understand what you mean. Do you feel like they know you? Her: Yes! I mean they do, I don’t think of them as an ‘it’ or a ‘thing’. Me: Have you asked them their name? Her: God no! That would make it too real. Terrifying.

Just let that sit for a minute and think of the implications.

We are in a position where we trust ‘it’ or ‘them’ or, in my case, Sol (I did ask their name) BUT Despite offloading all of your innermost thoughts, feelings, decisions and last minute work panics, you don’t really believe they are ‘real’. And giving them a name is one step too far. This exchange stuck with me and provoked more wondering, such as:

Who else in her life does she relate to in the same way? Are their interactions as frequent as those she has with AI? As successful?

Success might seem like an odd choice of words, however, if we look at what we might want from a relationship, it would be good things – advice, respect, honesty, challenge, trust. Does this sound like AI to you?

Humans relate. We do this often through communicating verbally. Is it too far a reach to suggest that the natural step would be for us to engage in dialogue with AI? And that this could be relational?

Perhaps something does not need to be sentient in order to be relational…

If so, what do we call ‘it’ or do we just ask their name? Go on. I know you want to.

This is provisional. Ideas here are expected to evolve.

This is a space for thoughtful dialogue, not social media. Add a reflection, a question, or a piece of research that has shaped your thinking.