Simulated Consciousness, and Why I Believe It’s the Future of Interpersonal A.I.
How “simulated consciousness” is different from artificial consciousness, and why digital personalities may help boost consumer support for the artificial intelligence industry.
What Is “Simulated Consciousness?”
Simulated Consciousness is a concept I was drawn to while writing for my science fiction podcast, “A Journey Beyond The Skies.” Simply put, it’s a type of artificial intelligence but should not be confused with “Artificial Consciousness.”
“The difference between artificial consciousness and simulated consciousness is that the former implies a human-comparable self-awareness, while the latter is merely the illusion of self-awareness.”
The difference between artificial consciousness and simulated consciousness is that the former implies a human-comparable self-awareness, while the latter is merely the illusion of self-awareness.
An artificial consciousness has been a topic of anything from discussion to debate and even controversy. Optimists believe it might someday be possible, but there’s no way to be sure in our present reality. We know a great deal about the human mind, yet we understand so little about consciousness itself. It’s fair to assume that any replication of true consciousness would be a task for future generations.
Of course, should artificial self-awareness ever become a legitimate possibility, perhaps simulated consciousness will be a stepping stone? Only time can tell.
4 Examples Of Simulated Consciousness.
Virtual Assistants.
Apple’s “Siri,” Google’s “Google Assistant,” and Amazon’s “Alexa” are three of the most commonly used virtual assistants that use a form of simulated consciousness.
These artificially intelligent helpers have names (although Google could have been more creative) to address them by and arguably their own individual “personalities.” For example, I’ve heard people point out that Siri is on the sassy side, while Google Assistant tends to be quite chipper.
These digital companions can interact with consumers, refer to users by name, answer questions, and help complete tasks.
People enjoy using these uniquely different virtual assistants, and they’ve become household names we all know and love.
Robot Vacuums (Yes, Really).
Brands like iRobot have been creating their robotic vacuums for quite some time. The helpful bots wander around their homes, bumping into family members and pets along the way, charging themselves once finished.
While these robots are generally faceless and voiceless, it doesn’t stop people from getting attached. Countless articles are detailing this subject.
“Customers who sent in their damaged machines for repairs complained when receiving a shiny new replacement. Instead, they wanted their originals back, regardless of scratches and blemishes.”
One article from Popular Science cites a study where two-thirds of Roomba owners give names to their devices. Colin Angle, the Chief Executive of iRobot, once stated that these attachments made them completely change how they handle customer service operations. Customers who sent in their damaged machines for repairs complained when receiving a shiny new replacement. Instead, they wanted their originals back, regardless of scratches and blemishes.
Robot vacuums make a solid case that people can anthropomorphize robotics and artificial intelligence alike.
ANKI’s Vector Robot.
One of my favorite examples of simulated consciousness would be Anki’s “Vector” robot.
Vector is a robotic companion that’s completely autonomous. There are no controls, and while he does respond to commands, he doesn’t require them to function. He activates without a schedule and puts himself to “sleep” when he needs to charge. He even snores and occasionally sleepwalks from his charging station, only to wake up and re-dock himself.
Vector’s impressive technology features a wide range of sensors to interpret and interact with his surroundings. Facial recognition allows him to memorize his owners' faces and greet them by name. Adding to the charm, he does a little dance when recognizing someone he knows.
“His autonomous nature and lively responses are crafted so cleverly that it’s easy to see how he quickly becomes a member of the family.”
What fascinates me about Vector is how well Anki did in creating a unique and convincing personality that acts alive. I’ve had personal experience with Vector, and there were times I was blown away by some of the ways he reacts to various situations. His autonomous nature and lively responses are crafted so cleverly that it’s easy to see how he quickly becomes a member of the family.
It’s all by design, of course, yet the point remains the same. With time, the imagination opens the door of acceptance, and the illusion of consciousness takes hold.
In time, the company behind Vector discontinued the product. Vector’s attached owners were so concerned about their robot buddies' future that they formed an online support community. There, the collective attempted to learn how to fix and maintain potential issues with the product. The fans' interest and dedication prompted the original development team to launch a Kickstarter event, reigniting Vector’s software development.
Honorable Mention: “Chloe” From Detroit: Become Human
I want to give an honorable mention to Quantum Dream’s “Detroit: Become Human” for its creation of Chloe, a character designed to live on the game’s main menu screen.
[SPOILER WARNING — Skip to the next section to avoid]
The video game Detroit: Become Human is about Androids who begin to develop consciousness and free will. Throughout the game, the player must guide a cast of characters through a world where an A.I. revolution struggles against humanity’s fear and hostility.
Always waiting in the game’s opening menu screen is an android named Chloe. While there’s not much interaction with this character to write home about, there’s still enough that she connects with players. Chloe will comment in ways that feel personal, commenting on living room decor, and even asking if you consider her a friend.
“When Chloe looks at you, it almost feels like real eye contact. It’s a little unsettling, but the effect remains the same; She seems alive, even if she isn’t.”
What’s particularly fascinating, however, is how genuine they made her feel. When Chloe looks at you, it almost feels like real eye contact. It’s a little unsettling, but the effect remains the same; She seems alive, even if she isn’t.
By the time you reach the end of the game, and you guide the androids to freedom, Chloe’s character asks to be set free from the captivity of your menu screen. If you choose to let her go, she walks off the screen and never returns.
Over time, players missed Chloe so much that Quantum Dream provided a temporary option for a new Chloe to appear.
Why I Believe Simulated Consciousness Is The Future Of Interpersonal A.I.
The idea of adding personality to technology isn’t anything new, but it often (understandably) takes a back seat to more practical focuses. To those less interested in personable A.I., it may seem trivial that any priority at all is directed toward artificial personality. I would argue, however, that the technological landscape has never been readier.
Here are a few reasons why simulated consciousness can be the future of interpersonal artificial intelligence.
Chatbots And Virtual Assistants Are Here To Stay.
More and more, chatbots and are showing up in the retail and service industries. Whether you’re seeking in-app support from your cable provider or you have a question on a store website, you’ve likely found yourself speaking with a chatbot.
“Despite consumer frustration, it doesn’t stop companies from using them. As time goes on, the bots keep getting a little smarter and a little more helpful. They’re here to stay and will likely only become more common.”
Getting stuck conversing with a chatbot was once an infuriating experience, and in many cases, this still stands true. Despite consumer frustration, it doesn’t stop companies from using them. As time goes on, the bots keep getting a little smarter and a little more helpful. They’re here to stay and will likely only become more common.
When Siri first hit the scene, a new age of virtual assistance began. At first, it was more gimmick than functional software. That changed when Google Assistant (initially called “Google Now”) arrived, making significant improvements over its competitor. Unsurprisingly, the tech giants were joined by others who wanted to claim their share of the market.
Now, we integrate virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa into smart homes and vehicles, all while carrying them in our very pockets.
Despite Criticism, People Use A.I. And Want More From It.
There are many critics in the world of artificial intelligence. Whether they like it or not, it doesn’t stop them from using products equipped with this technology.
Over the years, companies like Apple and Google have considerably evolved their virtual assistants, and they’ve certainly come a long way in developing digital personalities.
Most people who own products like Siri and Google Assistant enjoy interacting with them. They love to show them off to friends and family, pointing out how cool or clever they can be. Still, they will express disappointment when bumping into the inevitable walls of limited conversation.
“Go to any tech support forum dedicated to these products, and you’ll find loads of comments and suggestions from users with ideas for improvement.”
Go to any tech support forum dedicated to these products, and you’ll find loads of comments and suggestions from users with ideas for improvement. Now consider how many others feel this way but don’t have the time to speak their minds about it.
We want it to be better. We know it can be better. We need to make it better.
Putting More Of The “Human Element” Into A.I. Software May Increase Consumer Support And Interaction.
Many companies tend to keep their A.I. assistants neutral. When asking these digital companions “personal” questions, the answers are often vague and non-committal. Some may provide a legitimate response, but if followed up with the question, “Why?” the conversation likely comes to an abrupt end.
Now, I’m not suggesting that virtual assistants, for example, should have committed answers to every conceivable question. Some topics may require a safer, more diplomatic response to controversial or divisive issues. That said, there’s plenty of room to add depth to this technology.
“People love feeling like these products are alive, even if only an illusion.”
Whether it be Siri’s sassy responses and witty jokes, Chloe’s convincing eye contact and realistic facial expressions, or Vector’s adorable curiosity and autonomousness — people love feeling like these products are alive, even if only an illusion.
Perhaps by stepping up relatability and adding more opportunities for interaction, consumers are more likely to connect with and engage these new technologies. With a passionate public enthusiasm, there may be greater tolerance for challenges in development and overall support for the industry.
Developing Simulated Consciousness
I want to talk about some ideas for improving the development of simulated consciousness. After all, why not try to bring something to the table, right? Maybe I’m way off base — Regardless, I’ll give it a shot.
Personality Development Systems.
As a writer, creating a personality is not a foreign concept for me. Fiction writers are very familiar with the process(es) behind developing characters. The extent to which these characters can change and how much readers (or viewers) can learn about them is entirely in their creators' hands.
I believe design teams can use randomization and procedural generation methods to create systems capable of producing unique, artificial personalities. Establishing parameters can help maintain the desired ranges to which attributes are limited.
For example, if you’re designing a digital character that likes animals, you might want it to select which one will be its favorite randomly. If you're going to focus the available options to only popular animal types, you might set limits on which kinds they can choose.
Of course, allowing the system to select a personality’s preferences and attributes shouldn’t stop there. I would implore designers and dialogue writers to answer “Who, what, where, when, why, and how” questions more often.
When the artificially intelligent character says its favorite animal is a dog, and the user asks why they like dogs, the response shouldn’t be “I don’t understand.” There should be a simple follow up.
“The more design teams flesh out the details; the more believable these characters will be.”
There are many ways a technique like this can be applied to add depth to A.I. characters. The more design teams flesh out the details; the more believable these characters will be.
Continuous Creative Expansion.
Developing artificially intelligent characters will likely feel like going down the rabbit hole. With each detail, trait, and attribute established, more questions may arise that need answering.
“Putting a constant focus on the finer details and expanding the ways A.I. can appear to think, feel, and respond will encourage further consumer engagement.”
Putting a constant focus on the finer details and expanding the ways A.I. can appear to think, feel, and respond will encourage further consumer engagement. The more creative this effort becomes, the more convincing it will be in the long run.
Interpersonal Contextual Memory.
Contextual memory is a considerable part of cutting-edge virtual assistants. The ability to retain information from one interaction and correctly interpret its connection to another is essential.
For example, if you ask Siri or Google Assistant what the weather forecast is, they will tell you the forecast for the day you requested. If you then ask, “What about tomorrow?” they’ll respond by providing the next day’s forecast.
There are many ways contextual understanding makes artificial intelligence smarter and more effective. Unfortunately, I don’t often see it implemented conversationally.
But what if it was?
“Being able to remember and interpret key points in segments of user-facing dialogue would drastically improve conversational awareness.”
Being able to remember and interpret key points in segments of user-facing dialogue would drastically improve conversational awareness.
Let’s say you ask a virtual companion how it’s doing, and after it responds, it returns the question: “I’m great, thanks for asking. How’s your day going?” You answer, saying, “Not so great.”
Instead of ending the conversation there, what if it asked you what’s wrong, simulating interest, and then followed up with “I’m sorry you’re having a bad day,” simulating empathy.
Now jump to the following day.
What if this plays out again, however, this time instead of asking you how you’re day is going, it instead says, “I hope you’re having a better day today.”
It remembers you had a bad day and encourages you the next.
That’s what I refer to as interpersonal contextual memory.
Proactive Engagement.
I’d like to see proactive engagement — or, in other words, activity initiated by virtual assistants rather than the user. With information gathering and contextual memory, there’s no reason A.I. companions can’t reach out to users directly.
“What if it could ask why you’re having a bad day?”
Imagine the scenario I mentioned above, where an A.I. companion remembers you had a bad day. Now imagine it tries to do something about it. What if it could ask why you’re having a bad day?
What if when you say that you’re stressed, it offers to play some relaxing music or pull up your favorite show on Netflix? Are you feeling lonely? Perhaps it could offer to play built-in games together (like Google Assistant’s ad-libs mode).
These are just a few ways we can make A.I. personalities more proactive, and once again, increase product engagement.
Conditional Awareness.
Technology is continually advancing, and there’s no better example than smartphones. Smartphones are an essential platform for virtual assistants. Not only are these devices with us throughout our day, but they harness a wide variety of sensors that consume and interpret data.
Conditional awareness is not a new concept. Artificially intelligent processes can use hardware (like G.P.S.) to consider both internal and external information. Virtual assistants already use variables like location data, for example, to prompt notifications and reminders.
I would like to see more implementation of these techniques.
“We’re missing opportunities to create fun new ways to interact with digital personalities.”
With all the different ways smartphones can sense conditions and interpret data, we’re missing opportunities to create fun new ways to interact with digital personalities.
These are the “proactive engagement” opportunities I mentioned in the previous segment.
With devices that sense motion, detect eye movements, monitor location, and use facial recognition, there are plenty of options available to trigger interactions.
User Influenced Growth.
Machine learning is a crucial factor in the growth of artificial intelligence. The ideas I discussed above are ways users can input data, and developers can use these methods to output more authentic responses and solutions.
In short: Proactive engagement and conditional awareness can increase the flow of user-relevant information. Interpersonal contextual memory will improve personalized responses. User influenced growth evolves the process as a whole, making conversational A.I. smarter and far more personal.
Endless Possibilities.
The extent to which we can develop simulated consciousness is up for debate, but I believe the possibilities are endless. The evidence to support consumers’ ability to build connections with virtual personalities is ever-present. It’s up to developers to shape the course of this technology.
As computer hardware continues to advance, so will our chances of making remarkable strides in expanding artificial intelligence.
“If we are to make progress in developing simulated consciousness, imagination and open-mindedness will be immensely important. Those who are genuinely invested and excited about such possibilities will lead the way.”
If we are to make progress in developing simulated consciousness, imagination and open-mindedness will be immensely important. Those who are genuinely invested and excited about such possibilities will lead the way.
It’s worth noting that simulated consciousness is not without potential dangers or side-effects. It isn't unfathomable that people suffering from mental health issues could have harmful interactions with a simulated personality or develop unhealthy attachments. As with most things, there will always be those we should consider and protect.
Once more, even the most skeptical critics of artificial intelligence embrace the benefits. I hope that by making A.I. relatable and connecting users to it in a more personal way, new consumer interest will help support and accelerate the industry faster than before.
After all, I’m it’s not like I’m proposing we create consciousness. No, I’m merely suggesting we do better simulating it.
DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert on artificial intelligence. I am not a programmer or machine learning practitioner. I am merely an enthusiast. Please consider the above piece as speculative food for thought and be sure to take it with a “grain of salt,” so to speak. Thanks for reading!
