Survey Finds Most Users Believe ChatGPT is Conscious

A recent survey conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo and University College London reveals that a significant number of ChatGPT’s most active users hold misconceptions about the OpenAI chatbot.

According to the study, two-thirds of the respondents incorrectly believe that ChatGPT possesses consciousness, feelings, and memories.

Survey Insights: The study, led by Professor Clara Combatto from the University of Waterloo and cognitive neuroscientist Stephen Fleming from University College London, highlights a prevalent misunderstanding among ChatGPT users. Despite expert consensus that current AI lacks consciousness, the survey found that frequent users of ChatGPT are more likely to attribute human-like qualities to the AI.

Combatto noted in the press release:

"Our research shows that for most of the general public, AI consciousness is already a reality."

Study Details: The researchers surveyed 300 people in the United States, asking them about their perceptions of AI capabilities, including consciousness, emotions, planning, and reasoning. The findings suggest that as people use ChatGPT more often, they develop a "theory of mind," treating the AI as a thinking and feeling entity.

Combatto remarked:

"These results demonstrate the power of language, because a conversation alone can lead us to think that an agent that looks and works very differently from us can have a mind."

Implications for AI Safety: The researchers believe these misconceptions could impact the development and regulation of AI. Combatto explained:

"Public attitudes should be a key consideration in designing and regulating AI for safe use, alongside expert consensus."

The study underscores the need for further research to understand how widespread these beliefs are and how they might affect the integration of AI into society.