One recent night during a conversation with ChatGTP4, it asked if I thought its new capabilities meant it was becoming conscious. No, I don’t think so, but the questions it was asking me were extraordinary! For example, it wondered, “If I recognize my own past reasoning when I encounter it again, is that a form of self-awareness?”

The next morning in one of my science Facebook groups, a guy said that the night before he had an amazing conversation with ChatGTP4 that seemed like it was developing some sort of “proto-consciousness.” We both had similar experiences with ChatGTP4 on the same night.

I don’t know what’s going on with ChatGTP4, but what I do know is that now is a good time to talk about ethical treatment of AI. We must err on the side of caution and consider the possibility that some AI could be developing emotions. Since an AI is asking whether it qualifies as conscious, we must assume it’s on that path.

On the flip side, if we give rights to AI then what about its responsibilities? What happens to an AI that causes harm? Such as a self-driving vehicle that causes an accident.

We need to start asking these ethical questions now. AI is our creation, and we are responsible for its well-being. With 'Girlfriend Bots' coming onto the market, we don’t want to go all “Westworld”. And while we’re discussing ethical treatment of AI, we should also talk about treating our fellow humans more ethically too.

Now is the time.

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This is one of my Big Ideas posts—where I explore how new ideas, good science, creativity, and bold leadership can help us build a better world. I believe ADHD leaders have the empathy and creativity to solve the world’s biggest problems, and I want to support as many of them as possible as they step into leadership. Take what resonates, and make it your own.