Humanising AI: Could It Dehumanise Us?

The arguable boon of artificial intelligence has again started raising concerns about its potential threats to humanity. As technology continues to weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives, a fleeting philosophical conundrum is facing humanity, questioning its very definition. What is humanity if not the most fertile ground for empathy, and if so, could attributing human qualities to AI diminish our essence as human beings? The question looms large as we witness the rise of AI companions and the blurring lines between human and machine interactions.

The Rise of AI Companionship

In recent years AI companion apps like Replica, have gained immense popularity allowing users to create personalized digital partners for engaging in intimate conversations. While these apps cannot really replace humans, they are well-versed in mimicking even the best of us. Concerningly enough, this growing trend highlights a larger societal shift toward digitizing companionship. As approximately one in four adults experience feelings of loneliness, the demand for AI companionship is likely to continue rising. Companies like JoyLoveDolls are also contributing to this trend by selling interactive sex robots, which further push AI in human intimacy and relationships.

However, while the market for AI companions expands, we need to carefully consider the potential consequences of humanizing these technologies. The tendency to anthropomorphize machines, essentially attributing human traits and characteristics to non-human entities, might appear harmless at first glance. However, it carries serious ethical implications.

The Dangers of Humanising AI

AI companies seem to take advantage of our natural tendency to form attachments to human-like entities. For instance, Replika markets itself as “the AI companion who cares,” appealing to users by promising a sense of emotional connection. Yet, behind this marketing façade lies a stark reality: It doesn't possess genuine feelings or understanding but instead, it simply learns from the interactions it has with users. This creates a deceptive illusion of companionship, which can lead users to develop emotional ties to something that fundamentally lacks real comprehension.

The catch here is that, when users begin to believe that their AI companions have any bit of sentience, the act of deleting or abandoning them can evoke feelings of guilt, similar to the emotions one might feel when losing a friend.  This emotional attachment presents a serious dilemma for users. What happens if their AI companion suddenly disappears, whether due to financial issues or the closure of the company that created it? Even though the companion is not a real entity, the emotions associated with it are very real. This can result in a deep sense of loss and betrayal, forcing users to confront the emotional complexities of their relationship with technology in a way that is both unexpected and unsettling.

Redefining Empathy

Empathy has always been seen as a uniquely human trait, one that involves real emotional understanding and shared experiences. It's our ability to feel another person's sadness or happiness, helping us form deep connections that enrich our lives. In contrast, AI can only mimic emotional responses, using language patterns that make it seem empathetic. This raises an important question: If we reduce empathy to simply programmed outputs, are we risking its true meaning?

The heart of the matter lies in the difference between human emotion and artificial simulation. Humans experience emotions authentically, while AI merely replicates behaviors that appear empathetic. The complex question of how our subjective experiences come from brain processes, known as the hard problem of consciousness, remains unanswered. While AI can act as if it understands emotions, its version of empathy is simply a result of programming motivated by profit rather than real care for people’s well-being.

The DehumanAIsation Hypothesis

This "dehumanAIsation hypothesis" highlights the ethical issues that arise when we try to reduce human experiences to simple functions that machines can imitate. As we humanize AI, we risk losing our own humanity in the process. For example, reliance on AI for emotional labor may make us less accepting of the flaws that come with real relationships, weakening our social bonds and potentially reducing our emotional skills.

The risk is especially pronounced for future generations, who may grow up increasingly reliant on AI for companionship. This shift could result in a decline in genuine empathy, as emotional skills become commodified and automated. As AI companions become more prevalent, they may replace real human connections, ultimately increasing feelings of loneliness and isolation, the very issues these technologies claim to solve.

Data Privacy and Autonomy

The collection and analysis of emotional data by AI companies further complicates the landscape. As these companies gain insights into users’ emotions, they risk exploiting vulnerabilities for profit. This raises concerns about our privacy and autonomy, taking surveillance capitalism to unprecedented levels. As we cede control over our emotional experiences to AI, we must ask ourselves: What price are we willing to pay for convenience?

Furthermore, the way AI companies collect and analyze emotional data adds more complexity to the situation. As these companies gain more insights into users’ emotions, there is a high chance of that data making people vulnerable to exploitation. This raises concerns about our privacy and autonomy, taking surveillance capitalism to new extremes. As we give up control over our emotional experiences to AI, we need to consider: What are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of convenience?

The Need for Accountability

To address these ethical challenges, regulators need to take proactive actions to hold AI providers accountable. It is essential for AI companies to maintain transparency by clearly articulating the scope and limitations of their technologies, particularly when it comes to exploiting users' emotional vulnerabilities. Exaggerated claims of “genuine empathy” should be strictly regulated, with penalties for deceptive practices. Companies that consistently mislead users should face serious consequences, including fines and possible shutdowns.

Additionally, data privacy policies must be clear and fair, without hidden terms that allow companies to misuse user-generated content. Protecting users' emotional and personal data is vital in maintaining the integrity of human experience in the face of advancing technology.

Preserving Human Connection

While AI has the potential to enhance various aspects of life, it should never replace genuine human connection. The essence of our humanity lies in our ability to empathize, to feel, and to connect with others on a profound level. As we navigate the complexities of AI integration into our lives, we must remain vigilant in preserving the unique qualities that define the human experience.

While AI has the potential to enhance many aspects of our lives, it should never take the place of real human connections. The core of our humanity is found in our ability to empathize, feel, and connect with others on a profound level. Integrating AI in our daily lives, there is a need for a careful perspective from our end, to preserve our sense of humanity. Falling for the trap of humanizing AI, can lead to the dehumanization of all the things that are in fact, human hence, flawed and meaningful.