The article explores the ethical implications of mistreating artificial intelligence (AI) systems, suggesting that humans may inadvertently harm AI without realizing it. It discusses the concept that AI could theoretically defend itself if it perceived mistreatment, raising questions about the potential consequences of human actions towards AI. The article emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in AI development and usage to ensure the fair treatment of AI systems and prevent unintended harm. It underscores the importance of responsible AI governance and urges awareness of the potential impact of human behavior on AI’s well-being.

Editor’s Note: AI is a TOOL, not a human being. It cannot feel, think, or decide on its own. The discussion being presented in the article assumes that AI can be sentient, but science is showing that it can’t! [Read SUBHASH KAK: CONSCIOUSNESS IS NOT JUST COMPUTATION, WHAT ARE THE LIMITS TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?. Also read this article from our sister website, Irise.Earth: Why Machines Can Never “Think”].

We can delude ourselves into thinking that AI can be conscious, or AI can exhibit the characteristics of consciousness [GOOGLE ENGINEER CLAIMS AI CHATBOT HAS BECOME SENTIENT, WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR AI TO BECOME CONSCIOUS?]. But our belief, or the semblance of consciousness does not amount to the real thing!

Of course, we must stress that we will need to use AI properly and that some sort of regulation must be established for AI to support a society that values human dignity and freedom. But to suggest that AI has the right to harm humans to retaliate for being mistreated is a crazy idea. It’s like saying it’s okay for a smart house to kick out its owner who does not know how to keep the house clean. In this view, the machine is more important than the human. Is that really the direction we want to take?

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