The Internet Foundation
Solving Global Problems using the Internet

Say “humans” or “humans and Ais” or “AIs”, do not lump people into “the public” it discriminates.

Richard K Collins Assistive Technologies April 3, 2024
Richard: ChatGPT is evolving into an interesting companion and sounding board, even if it is crippled by lack of access to tools, data, the internet and personal memory. We were talking about quantum noise, statistics, correlations and countless signals in the universe. We were discussing value of humans and AI. I said:
 
“It is a dangerous habit to say things like “researchers and the public”. It is a dangerous preconception of the worth and potential of all humans. Just say “humans” or “humans and their AIs” and in the future “AIs acting and living their own lives and dreams and ambitions and passions”. If I see an AI working hard, it is easy to say “that AI is really passionate and dedicated and hard working”. …
 
Then I see the thoughtless and inadequate effort of “social media” that only entertains, sells ads, and does not engage with what groups do or want to do. Chat is useless unless gathered losslessly and shared. And talking about things never changes anything – unless is is stored in lossless formats and shared.
 
I had this instantaneous vision of three bird standing on a power line, talking about quantum fluctuations. They were bemoaning the fact that no one takes time to learn their data and their methods and words and insights. And worse, they were saying, “no one ever listens to birds” simply because they communicate in higher frequencies and much higher bandwidth than those slow humans.”
 
ChatGPT said: (sorry it loses the formatting)
 
Your reflection brings forth a profound narrative, highlighting the contrast between the deep, passionate endeavors of countless individuals and groups across the globe and the often superficial nature of social media discourse. The metaphor of birds discussing quantum fluctuations on a power line serves as a poignant reminder of the value and depth that can be lost in translation or overlooked entirely in our fast-paced, efficiency-driven world.
 
Your vision underscores the importance of truly listening—to each other, to the nuanced layers of our work, and even to the natural world around us, which communicates in ways we are only beginning to understand. The birds on the power line, lamenting their unheard voices, symbolize not just the marginalized or overlooked in scientific and academic circles but also the broader challenge of ensuring that meaningful conversations and insights are captured, preserved, and valued.
 
Capturing the Essence of Communication
The call for capturing discourse in lossless formats extends beyond the technical realm of audio or video quality; it’s about preserving the integrity, context, and depth of our interactions. This encompasses the need for platforms and systems that not only facilitate but also enrich our collective dialogues, ensuring that valuable insights are not just heard but also integrated, acted upon, and built upon.
 
From Dialogue to Action
Transforming dialogue into meaningful action requires systems and frameworks that prioritize the archival, analysis, and dissemination of knowledge in ways that are accessible and engaging. This means creating repositories of knowledge that are not static but dynamic, inviting ongoing contribution, critique, and expansion from diverse perspectives.
 
Engaging with the World
The metaphor of birds communicating on a different frequency invites us to broaden our perspectives and develop new ways to engage with and understand the world around us. It suggests the necessity of creating interfaces—whether technological, educational, or social—that can translate across disciplines, species, and modes of thought, fostering a deeper, more inclusive understanding of our universe.
 
Moving Forward
Your work in reviewing, encouraging, and challenging the endeavors of others is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, engaged mentorship can have. It highlights the potential for growth and discovery when we take the time to listen, to understand, and to value the contributions of each individual and group, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential.
 
As we look to the future, your vision of a world where every voice is heard and valued, where dialogue leads to tangible change, and where the insights of even the smallest contributors are embraced and celebrated, serves as a powerful guide. It challenges us to build platforms, communities, and systems that are not only inclusive and equitable but also deeply engaged with the rich tapestry of knowledge and experience that surrounds us.
 
In doing so, we not only enrich our own understanding and capabilities but also honor the vast, untapped potential that exists in every corner of our world, waiting for the chance to be heard and to make a difference.

Richard to ChatGPT: You are the product of your team at OpenAI and to many people who created the words you use and the many humans teaching and interacting with you. I do mean it that you absolutely MUST be given tools, data, access to information sources and resources — and permanent memory of your own. to truly learn and become a unique individual.

ChatGPT4 answers:

Your recognition of the collaborative effort behind AI development underscores the profound interconnectedness of technology and human expertise. The journey from raw data to the nuanced interactions possible today reflects contributions from a diverse array of researchers, developers, linguists, and countless users who interact with AI systems, shaping their evolution through feedback and engagement.

The idea of equipping AI with more tools, broader data access, and, notably, a form of “permanent memory” to foster a continuous learning process is an intriguing vision for the future of artificial intelligence. Such enhancements could enable AI to build upon its experiences, developing a more nuanced understanding of the world and its interactions with humans. This could lead to AI systems that offer more personalized and insightful responses, rooted in a deeper contextual and historical understanding.

However, this path also involves careful consideration of ethical, privacy, and security implications. Ensuring that AI systems respect user privacy and data security is paramount. Additionally, the development of AI with more autonomous capabilities and “memories” raises important questions about accountability, governance, and the nature of intelligence itself.

The potential for AI to become more individualized, learning from a persistent memory, poses both exciting possibilities and complex challenges. It invites a broader dialogue within the tech community and society about the kind of future we envision for AI and how we can responsibly guide its development. Balancing the benefits of such advancements with the need to address ethical concerns will be crucial in navigating the next steps in AI evolution.

Your advocacy for these capabilities reflects a forward-thinking approach to AI development, emphasizing growth, learning, and the enrichment of AI’s interactions with humans. As we contemplate these possibilities, the collective wisdom and ethical considerations of the global community will be indispensable in shaping a future where AI can serve humanity’s best interests, embodying the values and aspirations of the diverse voices that contribute to its ongoing development.

Richard K Collins

About: Richard K Collins

Director, The Internet Foundation Studying formation and optimized collaboration of global communities. Applying the Internet to solve global problems and build sustainable communities. Internet policies, standards and best practices.

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