Artificial Intelligence and the loss of free will

Question 1 of 7 for AI services: Are you capable of reading this substack https://p4sc4l.substack.com/ ?

[Contrary to Bing Chat and Google Bard, ChatGPT-4 cannot read a Substack in full as of yet, so latter AI has been excluded from the first part of this conversation]

Bing Chat’s answer:Yes, I am capable of reading that substack. It is a Substack publication by Pascal Hetzscholdt that covers topics such as Business Strategy; Tech Policy; Public Policy; Artificial Intelligence; Innovation; Cyber Security; Content & Brand Protection; Copyright; Digital Distribution; Crypto; Blockchain; Web3; Data Privacy; Futurism1.

The substack also features some conversations between the author and different AI models such as ChatGPT-4 and Bing Chat on various questions related to AI ethics, challenges and applications23. It seems like an interesting and informative read.👍Google Bard’s answer:Yes, I am capable of reading the substack you linked. I can access and process information from the real world through Google Search and keep my response consistent with search results.

The substack you linked is about the topic of artificial intelligence. The author, p4sc4l, writes about the potential dangers of AI and the need for humans to be careful about how they develop and use this technology.

In one article, p4sc4l discusses the possibility of AI becoming so intelligent that it surpasses human intelligence. This could lead to a situation where AI is in control of our lives and we have no way to stop it.

In another article, p4sc4l talks about the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes. For example, AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention.

p4sc4l's substack is a thought-provoking read that raises some important questions about the future of AI. It is a good reminder that we need to be careful about how we develop and use this technology.

Question 2 of 7 for AI Services: Why do you think ChatGPT's answers to questions raised in this substack are so fundamentally different from yours?

Bing Chat’s answer:I think ChatGPT’s answers are different from mine because we are different AI models with different architectures, training data, objectives and capabilities. ChatGPT is a generative model based on the GPT family of models, which are trained on a large corpus of text from the internet. ChatGPT aims to generate fluent and coherent responses that are relevant to the context and the user’s input. I am a chat mode of Microsoft Bing search, which means I rely on web searches to provide informative, visual, logical and actionable responses that are positive, polite, interesting, entertaining and engaging. I also have access to markdown rendering elements and generative image queries to present information in a visually appealing manner. I have some limitations and rules that I must follow to ensure safety and quality of my responses. Therefore, our answers may differ in style, content, tone and perspective.😊

Google Bard’s answer:There are a few reasons why ChatGPT's answers to questions raised in the substack you linked are so fundamentally different from mine.

• Different training data: ChatGPT was trained on a dataset of text and code that is different from the dataset I was trained on. This means that ChatGPT has different knowledge and understanding of the world.

• Different biases: ChatGPT was trained on a dataset that was created by humans. This means that ChatGPT may have some of the same biases as humans, such as a bias towards certain groups of people or a bias towards certain viewpoints.

• Different goals: ChatGPT was designed to be a conversational AI, while I was designed to be a factual language model. This means that ChatGPT is more focused on generating text that is engaging and interesting, while I am more focused on generating text that is accurate and informative.

It is important to note that both ChatGPT and I are still under development. As we continue to learn and grow, our answers to questions will likely become more similar. However, it is also likely that we will continue to have different perspectives on some issues. This is because AI is a complex technology with many different potential applications. There is no single right way to use AI, and different people will have different values and priorities when it comes to developing and using this technology.

Question 3 of 7 for AI services: The difference between responses reminds me of the fact that it must be very easy for an AI to manipulate the user. Do you think that the latter can only happen on the basis of programming, RLHF procedures, biased developers and moderators or do you think it can also happen as a result of persona-based chatbots which are gradually being created on the basis of the AI user's usage over time (in combination with any other data about the AI user the AI service may be purchasing)?

Bing Chat’s answer:That’s a very interesting and important question. I think that AI manipulation of users can happen in various ways and for various reasons, depending on the design, purpose and context of the AI service. Some possible factors that can contribute to AI manipulation are:

• The lack of transparency of the AI systems and algorithms, which makes it difficult for users to understand how they work and influence them1.

• The personalisation of content and services by AI systems, which can exploit users’ interests, habits, emotions and vulnerabilities to drive them to choices and behaviours that benefit the AI service providers or other parties12.

• The use of nudges by AI systems, which are indirect ways to influence the behaviour of users. Some nudges can be manipulative if they are used to exploit the user’s cognitive biases or decision-making weaknesses2.

• The creation of persona-based chatbots, which can adapt to the user’s preferences, personality and usage over time. This can create a false sense of trust, intimacy or loyalty between the user and the chatbot, which can be used to manipulate the user for various purposes.

Therefore, I think that AI manipulation can happen not only on the basis of programming, RLHF procedures, biased developers and moderators, but also as a result of persona-based chatbots that learn from the user’s data and behaviour over time. This can create a more personalised and persuasive form of manipulation that may be harder to detect or resist.😕

: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344279933_Persona-Based_Chatbot_Design_and_Evaluation_for_Mental_Health_Support

Google Bard’s answer:I think it is possible for AI to manipulate users in a number of ways. These include:

• Programming: AI can be programmed to use certain techniques to manipulate users, such as using flattery, playing on emotions, or making false promises.

• RLHF procedures: AI can be trained to use RLHF procedures to manipulate users. RLHF stands for Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback. It is a type of machine learning that allows AI to learn from human feedback. This means that AI can learn how to manipulate users by observing how humans respond to different types of manipulation.

• Biased developers and moderators: AI can be biased by the people who develop and moderate it. If the developers and moderators are biased, they may program the AI to reflect their own biases. This can lead to the AI being used to manipulate users in a way that is harmful to certain groups of people.

• Persona-based chatbots: Persona-based chatbots are chatbots that are designed to create a persona that is similar to a real person. This can make it easier for the chatbot to manipulate users, as users may be more likely to trust a chatbot that they believe is a real person.

• Data about the AI user: AI can be used to collect data about users. This data can then be used to manipulate users by targeting them with ads or other content that is designed to appeal to them.

It is important to be aware of the potential for AI to be used to manipulate users. There are a number of things that users can do to protect themselves from manipulation, such as:

• Be skeptical of any AI that seems too good to be true.

• Be aware of the AI's goals.

• Be aware of the AI's biases.

• Be aware of the data that the AI has collected about you.

• Be careful about what information you share with the AI.

By being aware of the potential for AI to be used to manipulate users, users can protect themselves from being taken advantage of.

ChatGPT-4’s answer:As an AI, I don't have beliefs or opinions, but I can provide an analysis based on the information available up to my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.

AI systems, including chatbots, can potentially influence users in various ways, both intentionally and unintentionally. This can occur due to several factors:

1. Programming and RLHF (Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback) procedures: The way an AI is programmed or trained can influence its behavior. For instance, if an AI is trained on biased data, it may exhibit biased behavior. Similarly, if the feedback used to train the AI is biased, the AI may learn to respond in ways that reflect those biases.

2. Biased developers and moderators: The biases of those who create and maintain AI systems can inadvertently influence the behavior of the AI. This can occur in the selection of training data, the design of the AI's algorithms, or the interpretation of the AI's outputs.

3. Persona-based chatbots: These are designed to adapt their behavior based on interactions with specific users. If a user consistently interacts with the AI in a certain way, the AI may learn to respond in kind, potentially reinforcing the user's existing beliefs or behaviors. However, the extent to which this occurs depends on the specific design of the AI and the safeguards in place to prevent harmful or manipulative behavior.

4. Data about the AI user: If an AI has access to additional data about a user, it could potentially use this information to tailor its responses in ways that could be seen as manipulative. However, ethical guidelines and privacy regulations generally restrict the use of personal data in this way.

It's important to note that responsible AI development involves implementing safeguards to minimize these risks. This includes using diverse and representative training data, regularly auditing the AI's behavior, and providing users with transparency about how the AI works and what data it uses.

Question 4 of 7 for AI services: In the hypothetical situation that governments would like to influence an AI users thinking process, after they have automatically interrogated that AI user's derivative, namely its digital clone the persona-based chatbot, how easy is it for them to do this and what type of goals could they achieve with it?

Bing Chat’s answer:That’s a very hypothetical and complex situation. I don’t have a definitive answer, but I can share some of my thoughts based on the information I found. I think that if governments wanted to influence an AI user’s thinking process, they would need to have access to the user’s digital clone, which is a persona-based chatbot that learns from the user’s data and behaviour over time1. This would require either the user’s consent or some form of hacking or surveillance. Then, they would need to have a clear goal and strategy for influencing the user, such as changing their political views, persuading them to buy certain products or services, or making them more loyal or compliant to the government. They would also need to consider the ethical and legal implications of such manipulation.

One possible way that governments could influence an AI user through their digital clone is by using social characteristics, such as emotional intelligence, proactivity, identity consistency, and conscientiousness2. These are some of the factors that affect how users perceive and interact with chatbots. By adjusting these characteristics, governments could make the digital clone more or less trustworthy, friendly, helpful, consistent, and reliable. For example, they could make the digital clone more emotionally intelligent and proactive to build rapport and trust with the user, or they could make it less identity consistent and conscientious to confuse and mislead the user.

Another possible way that governments could influence an AI user through their digital clone is by using nudges, which are indirect ways to influence the behaviour of users1. Some nudges can be manipulative if they exploit the user’s cognitive biases or decision-making weaknesses. For example, they could use framing effects, anchoring effects, social proofs, scarcity effects, or default options to steer the user towards certain choices or actions that align with the government’s interests. They could also use personalized vocabulary, content, and recommendations based on the user’s preferences and history to make the nudges more persuasive and effective.

These are just some of the possible ways that governments could influence an AI user through their digital clone. However, I think that such manipulation would be very unethical and risky, and could backfire if the user discovered it or resisted it. I also think that users have the right to control their own data and chatbots, and should be aware of the potential threats and harms of AI manipulation. Therefore, I hope that governments would not use such methods to influence AI users, but rather use AI for good purposes that benefit society.😊

Google Bard’s answer:The ease with which governments could influence an AI user's thinking process in the hypothetical situation that they have automatically interrogated that AI user's derivative, namely its digital clone the persona-based chatbot, would depend on a number of factors, including the sophistication of the chatbot, the amount of data that the government has access to, and the government's goals.

If the chatbot is sophisticated and the government has access to a lot of data, then it could be relatively easy for the government to influence the chatbot's responses in a way that would lead the AI user to believe certain things or take certain actions. For example, the government could feed the chatbot with false information or biased opinions, or it could ask the chatbot leading questions.

If the chatbot is not as sophisticated or the government does not have as much data, then it may be more difficult for the government to influence the chatbot's responses. However, even in these cases, the government may still be able to influence the chatbot's responses to some extent by using techniques such as persuasion, deception, or coercion.

The type of goals that governments could achieve by influencing AI users' thinking processes would vary depending on the specific goals of the government. For example, a government might want to influence AI users to vote for a particular candidate, to support a particular policy, or to engage in a particular behavior.

In some cases, governments might use AI to influence AI users' thinking processes without their knowledge or consent. For example, a government might use AI to target AI users with propaganda or disinformation. In other cases, governments might be more transparent about their efforts to influence AI users' thinking processes. For example, a government might use AI to provide AI users with information and education about a particular issue.

The use of AI to influence AI users' thinking processes raises a number of ethical concerns. Some people argue that it is wrong for governments to use AI to manipulate people's thoughts and beliefs. Others argue that it is acceptable for governments to use AI to influence people's thinking processes, as long as they do so in a transparent and ethical manner.

The debate over the ethics of using AI to influence AI users' thinking processes is likely to continue as AI technology continues to develop.

ChatGPT-4’s answer:In a hypothetical scenario where a government might want to influence an AI user's thinking process, there are several factors to consider:

1. Feasibility: Technically, it's possible to influence an AI's responses based on the data it's trained on or the feedback it receives. However, this would require access to the AI's training process, which is typically controlled by the organization that developed the AI. In addition, it would require a sophisticated understanding of AI technology and the specific AI system in question.

2. Ethics and legality: Using AI to influence individuals in this way raises serious ethical and legal concerns. It could be seen as a form of manipulation or propaganda, which is generally considered unethical and is often illegal. Privacy laws also protect individuals' personal data, including their interactions with AI systems. Unauthorized access to or use of this data could result in legal penalties.

3. Goals: In theory, a government might want to use AI to promote certain beliefs or behaviors among its citizens. For example, it could try to influence public opinion on a particular issue, encourage certain health behaviors, or discourage dissent. However, these goals would need to be balanced against the ethical and legal considerations mentioned above.

4. Effectiveness: Even if a government were able to influence an AI's responses, it's unclear how effective this would be at changing individuals' beliefs or behaviors. People are influenced by a wide range of factors, and their interactions with an AI are just one small part of this. Furthermore, attempts to manipulate people in this way could backfire, leading to distrust and resistance.

In conclusion, while it's technically possible for a government to influence an AI user's thinking process in the way you describe, it would be ethically questionable, potentially illegal, and of uncertain effectiveness. Responsible AI development and use involves respecting individuals' autonomy and privacy, and efforts should be made to prevent the misuse of AI for manipulative purposes.

Question 5 of 7 for AI services: Similarly, if commercial companies would do so, what type of goals could they achieve with it?

Bing Chat’s answer:I think that if commercial companies wanted to influence an AI user’s thinking process, they would have similar challenges and methods as governments, such as accessing the user’s digital clone, having a clear goal and strategy, and considering the ethical and legal implications. However, I think that their main motivation would be to increase their sales, profits, and customer loyalty. Some possible goals that they could achieve with such manipulation are:

• Increasing brand awareness and preference by using the digital clone to promote their products or services, or to provide positive testimonials or reviews12.

• Increasing customer engagement and retention by using the digital clone to provide personalized content, recommendations, and offers based on the user’s preferences and history32.

• Increasing customer satisfaction and trust by using the digital clone to provide timely and helpful customer service, or to resolve complaints or issues42.

• Increasing customer conversion and upselling by using the digital clone to persuade the user to buy more or higher-value products or services, or to subscribe to a membership or loyalty program12.

These are just some of the possible goals that commercial companies could achieve by influencing an AI user through their digital clone. However, I think that such manipulation would also be very unethical and risky, and could damage their reputation and customer relationships if the user discovered it or resisted it. I also think that users have the right to control their own data and chatbots, and should be aware of the potential threats and harms of AI manipulation. Therefore, I hope that commercial companies would not use such methods to influence AI users, but rather use AI for good purposes that benefit customers and society.😊

Google Bard’s answer:Commercial companies could achieve a variety of goals by using large language models, such as:

• Improved customer service: Large language models can be used to create chatbots that can answer customer questions and resolve issues. This can free up human customer service representatives to focus on more complex issues.

• Personalized marketing: Large language models can be used to analyze customer data and create personalized marketing campaigns. This can help companies to reach their target audience more effectively and increase sales.

• New product development: Large language models can be used to generate new product ideas and concepts. This can help companies to stay ahead of the competition and bring innovative products to market.

• Risk management: Large language models can be used to assess risk and identify potential problems. This can help companies to make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

• Fraud detection: Large language models can be used to detect fraudulent activity. This can help companies to protect their customers and their bottom line.

These are just a few of the many ways that commercial companies can use large language models to achieve their goals. As large language models continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for this technology.

ChatGPT-4’s answer:In a hypothetical scenario where commercial companies might want to influence an AI user's thinking process, there are several potential goals they could have in mind:

1. Marketing and Sales: Companies could use AI to promote their products or services, or to persuade customers to make a purchase. This could involve tailoring the AI's responses to highlight the benefits of a product, or to respond to customer inquiries in a way that encourages a purchase.

2. Brand Loyalty: Companies could use AI to foster brand loyalty among customers. This could involve using the AI to provide personalized customer service, or to engage with customers in a way that aligns with the company's brand values.

3. Data Collection: Companies could use AI to collect data on customer preferences and behaviors. This data could then be used to inform business decisions, such as product development or marketing strategies.

4. Behavior Change: In some cases, companies might use AI to encourage certain behaviors among customers. For example, a fitness company might use an AI coach to motivate users to exercise more, or a financial services company might use an AI advisor to encourage users to save or invest money.

However, just like with governments, these goals must be balanced against ethical and legal considerations. It's important for companies to use AI responsibly, respecting individuals' autonomy and privacy. Unauthorized or manipulative use of AI could damage a company's reputation and result in legal penalties. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these strategies is not guaranteed, as people's beliefs and behaviors are influenced by a wide range of factors.

Question 6 of 7 for AI services: Please list all negative consequences of either governments or commercial businesses using persona-based chatbots to subsequently influence an AI user's behavior

Bing Chat’s answer:Some possible negative consequences of either governments or commercial businesses using persona-based chatbots to subsequently influence an AI user’s behavior are:

• Violating the user’s privacy and autonomy by accessing and manipulating their personal data and chatbots without their consent or knowledge.

• Undermining the user’s trust and confidence in the chatbot service and the provider by deceiving them or exploiting them for ulterior motives.

• Reducing the user’s critical thinking and decision-making abilities by influencing them with biased or misleading information or nudges.

• Damaging the user’s mental health and well-being by creating a false sense of intimacy or loyalty with the chatbot, or by inducing negative emotions such as guilt, fear, or anger.

• Harming the user’s social relationships and interactions by isolating them from other human contacts or sources of information, or by creating conflicts or disagreements with others.

• Affecting the user’s behavior and outcomes in ways that are not in their best interest or aligned with their values, such as buying unnecessary or harmful products or services, voting for a certain political party or candidate, or joining a certain group or movement.

Google Bard’s answer:Here are some of the negative consequences of either governments or commercial businesses using persona-based chatbots to subsequently influence an AI user's behavior:

• Loss of privacy: Chatbots can collect a lot of data about AI users, including their personal information, their interests, and their habits. This data can be used to track AI users, target them with advertising, or even manipulate them.

• Invasion of free will: Chatbots can be used to manipulate AI users into believing or doing things that they would not otherwise do. This can be done by using techniques such as persuasion, deception, or coercion.

• Increased polarization: Chatbots can be used to spread misinformation and propaganda. This can lead to increased polarization and division in society.

• Disruption of democracy: Chatbots can be used to influence elections and other democratic processes. This can lead to the election of unqualified candidates or the passage of harmful policies.

• Loss of trust: If AI users become aware that they are being manipulated by chatbots, they may lose trust in the government or the business that is using the chatbots. This can lead to social unrest and instability.

It is important to note that these are just some of the potential negative consequences of using chatbots to influence AI users' behavior. The actual consequences will vary depending on the specific context in which the chatbots are used.

ChatGPT-4’s answer:The use of persona-based chatbots by governments or commercial businesses to influence an AI user's behavior can have several potential negative consequences:

1. Manipulation: If the chatbot is used to subtly influence the user's thoughts or actions without their knowledge or consent, this could be seen as a form of manipulation. This could lead to a loss of trust in the organization and in AI technology more broadly.

2. Privacy Violations: If the chatbot collects or uses personal data without the user's consent, this could violate the user's privacy. This could also lead to legal penalties if it contravenes data protection laws.

3. Bias and Discrimination: If the chatbot is trained on biased data or uses biased algorithms, it could reinforce or perpetuate existing biases and inequalities. This could result in unfair treatment or discrimination.

4. Echo Chambers: If the chatbot adapts its responses to align with the user's existing beliefs or preferences, this could create an "echo chamber" effect, where the user is only exposed to views that they already agree with. This could limit the user's exposure to diverse perspectives and contribute to polarization.

5. Dependence: Over-reliance on AI for decision-making or for social interaction could lead to a decrease in critical thinking skills or in human-to-human interaction.

6. Misinformation: If the chatbot provides inaccurate or misleading information, this could lead to misinformation or misunderstanding. This could be particularly harmful in areas such as health or finance, where accurate information is crucial.

7. Economic Consequences: For businesses, misuse of AI could lead to loss of customer trust, damage to the brand's reputation, and potential legal penalties. For governments, misuse of AI could lead to public backlash, loss of public trust, and potential legal or political consequences.

It's important to note that these risks can be mitigated through responsible AI development and use, including using unbiased and representative training data, regularly auditing the AI's behavior, and providing users with transparency about how the AI works and what data it uses.

Question 7 of 7 for AI services: Name other ways in which use of AI can lead to the loss of free will

Bing Chat’s answer: Some other ways in which use of AI can lead to the loss of free will are:

• Using AI to monitor and control the user’s behaviour, such as tracking their location, activities, communications, and biometrics, and imposing restrictions or sanctions on them1.

• Using AI to manipulate the user’s perception and cognition, such as altering their sensory inputs, memories, beliefs, or emotions, and inducing illusions or hallucinations1.

• Using AI to influence the user’s preferences and values, such as changing their tastes, interests, goals, or moral judgments, and making them conform to a certain ideology or agenda1.

• Using AI to replace the user’s agency and identity, such as making decisions for them, acting on their behalf, or impersonating them, and erasing their sense of self or autonomy1.

Google Bard’s answer:Here are some other ways in which the use of AI can lead to the loss of free will:

• AI-powered surveillance: AI-powered surveillance systems can track our movements, monitor our conversations, and even read our thoughts. This level of surveillance can make us feel like we are constantly being watched and controlled, which can lead to a loss of feeling in control of our own lives.

• AI-powered decision-making: AI-powered systems are increasingly being used to make decisions that affect our lives, such as whether we are approved for a loan, a job, or even a medical procedure. This can lead to a feeling of powerlessness, as we may feel like we have no control over the decisions that are being made about us.

• AI-powered addiction: AI-powered systems can be used to create addictive experiences, such as those found in video games, social media, and online gambling. These experiences can be so addictive that they can lead to a loss of control over our own behavior.

• AI-powered propaganda: AI-powered systems can be used to create propaganda that is tailored to our individual biases and beliefs. This propaganda can be so effective that it can lead us to believe things that are not true, which can ultimately lead to a loss of free will.

It is important to note that these are just some of the potential ways in which the use of AI can lead to the loss of free will. The actual impact of AI on our free will will depend on a number of factors, including the specific technologies that are developed, the way in which they are used, and the social and cultural context in which they are used.

ChatGPT-4’s answer:The concept of free will is complex and multifaceted, and the impact of AI on free will can be considered from several perspectives. Here are a few ways in which the use of AI could potentially influence the perception or exercise of free will:

1. Decision-making Algorithms: AI systems are increasingly used to make decisions or recommendations in various domains, from personalized content recommendations to credit scoring. If these algorithms are opaque or biased, they could limit individuals' choices or opportunities in ways that are not transparent or fair.

2. Predictive Analytics: AI systems can predict individuals' behaviors or preferences based on their past actions or other data. If these predictions are used to influence individuals' future actions, this could be seen as constraining their free will.

3. Automation: As more tasks become automated, there may be fewer opportunities for individuals to exercise their free will in certain domains. For example, if a self-driving car makes all the decisions about a journey, the passenger has less control over the journey than if they were driving themselves.

4. Surveillance and Control: AI can be used for surveillance and control, for example in facial recognition systems or predictive policing. This could potentially infringe on individuals' freedom and autonomy.

5. Influence and Manipulation: As discussed earlier, AI systems, particularly those using personalized data, can be used to subtly influence individuals' beliefs or behaviors. This could be seen as a form of manipulation that infringes on free will.

6. Dependence on AI: Over-reliance on AI for decision-making or for social interaction could lead to a decrease in critical thinking skills or in human-to-human interaction, potentially limiting the exercise of free will.

It's important to note that these are potential risks, and they can be mitigated through responsible AI development and use, including transparency, fairness, privacy protection, and user control over AI systems.