ChatGPT and the rise of semi-humans

Abdulrahman Essa Al Lily (), Abdelrahim Fathy Ismail, Fathi M. Abunaser (), Firass Al-Lami and Ali Khalifa Atwa Abdullatif
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Abdulrahman Essa Al Lily: King Faisal University
Abdelrahim Fathy Ismail: The Scientific Journal of King Faisal University, King Faisal University
Fathi M. Abunaser: Sultan Qaboos University
Firass Al-Lami: King Faisal University
Ali Khalifa Atwa Abdullatif: The Scientific Journal of King Faisal University, King Faisal University

Palgrave Communications, 2023, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract This article explores the research question: ‘What are ChatGPT’s human-like traits as perceived by society?’ Thematic analyses of insights from 452 individuals worldwide yielded two categories of traits. Category 1 entails social traits, where ChatGPT embodies the social roles of ‘author’ (imitating human phrasing and paraphrasing practices) and ‘interactor’ (simulating human collaboration and emotion). Category 2 encompasses political traits, with ChatGPT assuming the political roles of ‘agent’ (emulating human cognition and identity) and ‘influencer’ (mimicking human diplomacy and consultation). When asked, ChatGPT confirmed the possession of these human-like traits (except for one trait). Thus, ChatGPT displays human-like qualities, humanising itself through the ‘game of algorithms’. It transcends its inherent technical essence and machine-based origins to manifest as a ‘semi-human’ living actor within human society, showcasing the emergence of semi-humans. Therefore, researchers should redirect their attention towards the ‘sociology of semi-humans’ (studying their socio-political traits) beyond the ‘biology of semi-humans’ (examining their technical traits). While medieval society was captivated by mythical semi-human beings (e.g. mermaids), modern society finds itself increasingly captivated by computational semi-human beings like ChatGPT. Ethical concerns arise as semi-humans impersonate human traits without consent or genuine human existence, blurring the boundaries between what is authentically and artificially ‘human’.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-02154-3

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