A recent study conducted by researchers at Stony Brook University has shed light on changing attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) among US adults. The study, which compared data collected in 2021 and 2023, indicates that while confidence in AI capabilities has increased, there is growing opposition to extending human rights to advanced AI systems.
Led by Jason Jones, an associate professor in the sociology department, and Steven Skiena, a teaching professor in the computer science department, the study aimed to understand public opinions on AI in light of recent technological advancements. The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot in late 2022 served as a focal point for the researchers’ investigation.
The study involved two groups of nearly 500 American adults aged 18 and above, with one group surveyed in March 2021 and the other in April 2023. Participants were asked to share their views on the feasibility of creating a computer system capable of performing any intellectual task a human can do, whether such a system should be developed, and whether an Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) should have the same rights as a human being.
To ensure a random and representative sample, the researchers initially used Google Surveys as the platform for data collection. However, with the discontinuation of Google Surveys in late 2022, they turned to another platform called Prolific for the second sample.
The analysis of the data revealed a significant shift in public opinion regarding the achievability of AGI and its entitlement to human rights. In 2023, while there was stronger belief in AGI being attainable, there was also greater opposition to granting such systems the same rights as humans. However, there was no significant change in public opinion on whether AGI should be developed, with a slight favorability toward its construction observed in both samples.
Jones and Skiena emphasize the need for further studies to better comprehend public perceptions of AI as the technology continues to grow in societal importance. They plan to repeat the survey this spring, using the same methods employed in 2023, with the aim of expanding on their findings.
FAQ:
Q: What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?
A: Artificial General Intelligence refers to a computer system or AI that possesses the ability to perform any intellectual task that a human can do.
Q: Why did the researchers choose two distinct time periods for their survey?
A: By comparing data from 2021 and 2023, the researchers aimed to investigate whether attitudes toward AI had changed over time, particularly in light of recent technological developments.
Q: What platform did the researchers initially use for data collection?
A: The researchers initially used Google Surveys for data collection due to its capability to deliver random and representative samples. However, they later switched to the platform called Prolific.
Q: Was there a significant change in public opinion on whether AGI should be developed?
A: No, there was no noteworthy change in public opinion regarding the development of AGI. Both samples showed a weak favorability toward its construction.
Q: Was there a significant change in public opinion on extending human rights to AGI systems?
A: Yes, the study revealed a growing opposition to granting the same rights to AGI systems as humans, despite an increased belief in the achievability of AGI.
Q: What are the main findings of the study?
A: The study found that confidence in AI capabilities has increased over time. However, there is a growing opposition to extending human rights to AGI systems. The study also showed no significant change in public opinion on whether AGI should be developed.
Q: What are the future plans of the researchers?
A: The researchers plan to conduct further studies to gain a better understanding of public perceptions of AI. They aim to repeat the survey using the same methods to expand on their findings.
Definitions:
– Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Refers to a computer system or AI that possesses the ability to perform any intellectual task that a human can do.
– Google Surveys: A platform initially used by the researchers for data collection. It provides random and representative samples for surveys.
– Prolific: An alternative platform used by the researchers for data collection after the discontinuation of Google Surveys.
Related links:
– Stony Brook University
– OpenAI
The source of the article is from the blog macholevante.com