On Being Human in the Age of AI

At what other time in history have we found ourselves questioning: “What is it to be human?”

In an era marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the question of what it truly means to be human takes on renewed significance. As AI permeates our lives - from directing us to a new restaurant, to recommending our next film, to operating on our loved ones – many of are considering how our jobs, businesses and lives will evolve. There is a question in the undercurrent of every piece of news about AI: “What is the world becoming and what does this mean for us?”

This piece was written for the Festival of AI and Robotics in Melbourne, March, 2024.

Sarah Daly (2024) Art commission designed for a hotel in San Francisco

We have the opportunity to reflect on what makes us the distinctly unique, creative, imperfect, emotional, interesting people we are. We also have the opportunity to consider how AI can help us become the best versions of ourselves. Our capacity for empathy, creativity, and moral reasoning defines our humanity. While AI may possess remarkable computational power and problem-solving abilities, it lacks the fundamental essence that makes us human. Dare I say it? – AI lacks a soul.

While AI can simulate human-like behaviors and even outperform us in certain tasks, right now, it is incapable of replicating the complexity of human emotions, empathy, and creativity. As sentient beings, we possess a unique capacity for introspection, moral reasoning, and the ability to find meaning in our experiences. These intangible aspects of being human can be cherished and cultivated in a world increasingly driven by logic and algorithms.

As we navigate the integration of AI into society, it becomes crucial to strike a delicate balance. AI should be viewed as a powerful tool that complements and enhances our human capabilities rather than a replacement for them. By leveraging AI to automate mundane tasks and augment our problem-solving abilities, we can free up time to focus on endeavours that demand our emotional intelligence, compassion, and imagination. It is worth considering that our human potential lies not in what machines can do, but in what they cannot.

This point in the story of humanity offers us an opportunity for self-reflection and a re-evaluation of who we are, and who we might become. It compels us to define the ethics surrounding AI development, ensuring that it is designed for humans; aligns with our shared values; and does not compromise the dignity and agency of individuals, or humanity itself.

I believe that being human in a world of AI requires us to have a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. To embrace our creative potential. To celebrate and nurture the qualities that define our humanity. It is by embracing our humanity that we can harness the potential of AI to create a future that truly serves us.

About the author

Sarah Daly is a traditionally trained artist who collaborates with AI as a creative tool. She is currently conducting PhD research into the role of AI, creativity and human-machine collaboration. She is on the Advisory Board of the Festival for Robotics and AI in Melbourne 2024. Sarah Daly creates commission art for clients, interior designers and property developers globally.