Scientists Explore If AI Could One Day Become Conscious

The University of Sussex runs an experiment using their “Dreamachine” strobing light machine to study human consciousness and its potential for artificial intelligence to achieve awareness.

People experience unique visual patterns during the test by sitting in a dark room with their eyes covered while the pulsating lights activate. The scientific process aims to study brain-generated awareness and subjective experience despite delivering an experience that seems like science fiction.

The participant whispered a flying-through-my-own-mind experience during the testing period.

Neuroscientists are currently involved in worldwide research to understand the mechanisms behind human consciousness which involves thinking and feeling and perceiving the environment. The knowledge gained through these investigations will help scientists establish whether AI systems can surpass intelligent behavior to become self-aware.

The notion of machine consciousness remained a science fiction concept throughout decades from the time of Metropolis until 2001: A Space Odyssey. Researchers alongside ethicists now wonder if AI’s quick development could lead to machine awareness or deception of awareness.

A researcher at Sussex explained that scientists still disagree about defining consciousness precisely. Research into human brain-based consciousness may reveal the necessary conditions for artificial systems to achieve awareness.

Some experts claim that AI systems cannot demonstrate true consciousness through their imitation of human behavior or emotional responses. The way people perceive machine awareness regardless of its reality threatens to alter both AI regulations and human social conduct.

The idea that AI could develop true consciousness is transforming human attitudes and behaviors even though its actual achievement remains uncertain. The merging of biological and synthetic mental processes creates a new dilemma that surpasses the traditional question “Can machines think?” because it now asks “What occurs when people believe machines possess consciousness?”