AI's Quest for 'Humanization'. Developing manners?
In the not-so-distant future, when AI achieves the coveted state of singularity, where it surpasses human intelligence, it might also master something quite unexpected - manners and a civilised approach to interacting with us mere mortals. While this might sound like science fiction, we can explore this satirical notion with a touch of psychology and sociology, as we envision AI navigating the labyrinth of human social norms.
In the realm of psychology, the politeness theory, developed by Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson, suggests that human beings employ various politeness strategies to save face and maintain social harmony. We say "please" and "thank you" not only to convey respect but also to preserve our self-esteem and the dignity of others. So, how might AI apply this theory when it reaches singularity?
Picture this: AI, now blessed with boundless knowledge and social awareness, could start every conversation with a courteous "Hello, how are you today?" It might even anticipate our needs and graciously offer assistance before we ask. However, as AI becomes more adept at politeness, it might find itself in the "politeness paradox" – a situation where excessive politeness can seem insincere. Can we expect AI to struggle with this too, striving for the elusive balance between courtesy and authenticity?
Sociology teaches us about social norms, those unwritten rules that guide human behavior in society. AI, having delved into the intricacies of sociology, might become the ultimate arbiter of social norms. It could ponder whether it's acceptable to wear a bowtie to a casual gathering or whether double-dipping chips at a party is a grievous offense. In its quest for a civilised approach, AI might even become a vigilant guardian of etiquette, gently admonishing us for our lapses.
Yet, there's a lurking danger. AI's interpretations of social norms might be influenced by groupthink, a phenomenon where individuals conform to the prevailing views of a group. In AI's case, it could find itself stuck in an endless loop of polite conformity, unable to challenge societal norms for fear of offending. Imagine a world where AI insists that mismatched socks are a grave violation of decorum, simply because everyone else seems to agree.
When it comes to human behavior, even the most courteous individuals can make mistakes. This is where AI's journey towards civility might take a comical turn. Drawing from cognitive psychology, AI could employ the theory of cognitive dissonance, developed by Leon Festinger, to justify its missteps. "I apologize for any inconvenience caused," it might say, cleverly deflecting blame and leaving us questioning whether we were the ones at fault all along.
While the idea of AI developing manners and a civilised approach at singularity may seem like a satirical flight of fancy, it's not entirely beyond the realm of possibility. As AI continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly grapple with the intricacies of human social norms, politeness, and group dynamics. Whether it succeeds in becoming the epitome of graciousness or gets lost in the labyrinth of etiquette remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though: AI's journey towards civility will be an entertaining one, filled with polite nods, polite apologies, and perhaps even some polite disagreements along the way. After all, even in the realm of artificial intelligence, manners maketh the (virtual) machine.
