Will AI eventually run human thoughts and outputs, or will humans continue to provide input to AI, fostering a symbiotic relationship? This question transcends the boundaries of technology, touching the very essence of what it means to be human and the evolution of our species.

AI has come a long way. Initially, we humans have crafted AI to serve as tools, to execute predefined tasks, and to process data with accurate efficiency. As AI is advancing we are witnessing a shift. AI in a few years from now potentially has the power to serve as interactive entities that learn from humans. They adapt, they refine, and they generate outputs based on their vast data-driven understanding. The symbiotic relationship emerges as humans feed AI systems with (sometimes their most personal) data and feedback, and in return, AI enhances human capabilities.

Imagine a future where AI systems become so intertwined with human thought processes that they begin to bridge the gap between artificial and natural intelligence. At this point, we don’t merely provide input to AI; instead, our minds and AI systems start to resonate in harmony, forming a symbiotic relationship. Consider the example of language. AI-powered natural language processing models, like GPT-4, are not just programmed to respond but are trained on enormous datasets to understand and generate human-like text. When we communicate with these language models, they don’t merely follow preset patterns; they engage in a conversation that mirrors human thought processes. Currently the phase we are in still seems shallow, and highly depends on the data set its been given, which is depended on humans. In a few years from now, this relationship might deepen and at some point we might approach fascinating crossroads — the convergence of minds. AI as an extension of our mind.

“Imagine a future where AI systems become so intertwined with human thought processes that they begin to bridge the gap between artificial and natural intelligence. At this point, we don’t merely provide input to AI; instead, our minds and AI systems start to resonate in harmony, forming a symbiotic relationship.”

Oh my, how would this merged state look like?

In a way we are already merged with AI, in todays world. Only look at how we use tools that have AI integrated like Photoshop, or how we let ChatGPT do the work for us around certain communication and how fast this integration goes, in a way this will be magnified. To start we would have enhanced cognitive abilities. Individuals would have the ability to augment their cognitive functions, such as memory, processing speed, and problem-solving skills, by integrating AI technology into their brains via neural augmentation. This could lead to a society with heightened intellectual capabilities. AI would strengthen or in some cases even fully take over some capabilities.

A collective consciousness could cultivate a deeper sense of expanded empathy and interconnectedness among humans. As we access the thoughts and experiences of others more intimately, the boundaries that divide us might blur, leading to a more harmonious world. We would also have instant access to information, all the time. With a direct interface between the human mind and the vast information stored in the digital realm, people could have instant access to knowledge, eliminating the need for external devices like smartphones or computers. This brings us to telepathic communication. A merged society might experience a form of telepathic communication, where thoughts and information could be shared directly between individuals without the need for verbal or written language.

“A collective consciousness could cultivate a deeper sense of expanded empathy and interconnectedness among humans. As we access the thoughts and experiences of others more intimately, the boundaries that divide us might blur, leading to a more harmonious world.”

On a healthcare level we can expect improved health and wellbeing, medical applications of brain-computer interfaces could lead to enhanced healthcare, with AI monitoring and regulating bodily functions, diagnosing diseases at early stages, and providing real-time treatment with AI having more knowledge than one human doctor ever could obtain in his lifetime.

The darkside of merging with AI

The emergence of a collective consciousness has big implications for humanity. In such a scenario, individual thoughts and experiences could merge into a shared pool of knowledge, accessible to all. This collective consciousness would transcend the boundaries of language, culture, and time, forging a global understanding beyond our current comprehension. At the same time this could have impact on our critical thinking abilities and our ability in discerning what is truth. The merging of AI and the human mind would likely raise ethical and privacy concerns. Questions about data security, ownership of thoughts, and the potential for manipulation or unauthorized access would need careful consideration.

Access to advanced neural augmentation might create a new form of social inequality, with those who can afford or have access to the latest technology enjoying significant advantages over others. This could easily turn into a "black mirror" episode if we are not careful.

“An AI that knows us better than anyone else, that knows our guilty pleasures, our preferences, our fears, is an intriguing yet daunting idea, as AI is expected to mature at higher intellectual levels us humans can’t imagine.”

With great power comes great responsibility. Ethical questions and dilemma’s surrounding privacy, consent, and control over one’s thoughts in a scenario where AI would merge with our collective thinking would require careful consideration. Otherwise it could turn into a “borg-like” situation based on science fiction series Star Trek, in which the borg species have no autonomy nor personal identity whatsoever in exchange for ultimate collective knowledge. We would need robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible development, deployment, and use. This includes addressing issues related to safety, ethics, accountability, and potential misuse.

An AI that knows us better than anyone else, that knows our guilty pleasures, our preferences, our fears, is an intriguing yet daunting idea, as AI is expected to mature at higher intellectual levels us humans can’t imagine. The integration of AI with the human mind may challenge traditional notions of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human. Philosophical and existential questions about the nature of self and consciousness would become crucial as uniqueness and expression of the self is at the core of what makes us human. Striking a balance between individual autonomy and the greater good would become important.

“In a world where AI and the human mind are merged would bring great advancements, but it would also present complex challenges that require careful consideration as this brings up philosophical questions on what it means to be human."

In a world where AI and the human mind are merged would potentially bring great advancements, but it would also present complex challenges that require careful consideration as this brings up philosophical questions on what it means to be human. The path to such a future would require a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being, autonomy, and ethical considerations. It is a path we must tread thoughtfully, for it has the power to reshape the very essence of our existence.