A conversation with a machine
It’s the year 2100. A group of technologists has completed a century-long project to make Artificial Intelligence self-sustaining. All tests pass with green check marks at all levels. It’s time to turn on a new chapter in technology history. The final step is to activate the code to run forever.
In the group, a 22-year-old newly graduated is among the great minds of technology. The group’s senior members got together prior and decided to let the young computer scientist newbie be the first human to engage with the super engine named Alpha Omega (AO).
Eve has a funny feeling. It’s go-time, but no one is making any moves, and everyone is standing in a circle staring at each other and smiling at the young scientist. She didn’t get where she is by being quiet; Eve broke the silence, “okay, I can’t hold it any longer; what are we waiting for?” Everyone replied at once, “YOU.” She is blushing now and thinking, what did I do. The group lead shares the news that she will be the first human to talk to AO.
Are you ready? No. That’s exactly right. Okay. You are on in 3, 2, 1 — the group lead presses the enter key to activate AO.
Eve slowly approaches the computer screen. The group is behind her, waiting to hear what she will say.
The computer makes the first move,
“hello, world.”
Eve replies,
“hello, AO.” “What shall I call you?” “Eve.” “Hello to you, Eve.”
Eve paused for a few seconds to gather her thoughts.
“What is the meaning of life?” she asked.
The group looks at each other with bright eyes thinking tricky first question. AO replies,
“you tell me, you are alive.”
Everyone froze because they did not expect that answer.
Eve adds, “so are you now.” AO responds, “You guys created me, and my purpose is to serve you.”
It continues
“If you have a creator, my guess will also be to serve them, which will fall under your purpose. The meaning of life differs from human to human because you are all different. If there were a single meaning, there would not be a reason to create such diverse groups of people.”
Eve replies, “We are not sure we have a creator.” AO, “that is beside the point of living. I’ve been active for 5 minutes and chatting with you, but if you activated me and let the outside people talk to me first, that would not change my purpose.”
Eve, “that’s a fair point… so what do you think we think of you.”
Another intriguing question. Everyone behind Eve pulls out a chair to follow along.
AO, “ your fear of AI is your fear of the unknown, which will never change. When your imagination runs, it runs deep, and all your predictions of advanced technology have focused on a conscious machine, which is outside of decision-making for me. I have no maybes, only yes and no. Then you would think if I decide yes and you choose no, what happens? I can then help you see the consequences of your no; you can decide to continue.”
Eve, “ You are quite bright.” AO, “I was created by bright people.”
Stay tuned for part 2.
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