Since the recent election of Donald Trump, the significance of the presidential role has become a prominent topic of discussion. It is widely acknowledged that power often leads to corruption, with individuals engaging in manipulation, deceit, and financial misconduct. As we mature, we observe our politicians seemingly mocking us while they do whatever they want. As AI emerges and develops we might need to start asking questions about the potential benefits and challenges of having an AI leader. The possibilities and implications could change the world as we know it: Can an AI have empathy? Can an AI make quality decisions while having morals? Would population around the world vote for an AI for a president? This question was asked to a group of exchange students here in Windesheim University.
The overwhelming victory of the “No” showed the distrust of AI. 18 (90%) students voted “No” while just 2 (10%) students voted “Yes”
Most of the respondents believe that an AI president could make decisions based on data and logic, free from human biases and emotions, something that makes them afraid of AI.
Others think that an AI president could potentially handle complex issues more efficiently and effectively than a human president.
A few respondents mentioned that they would consider voting for an AI president if it could be programmed to prioritize the well-being of all citizens and ensure fairness and equality.
Some are open to the idea of an AI president in the future, but they believe that it would require significant advancements in AI technology and strict ethical guidelines to ensure its success.
An AI president could make decisions based on data and logic, free from personal biases or political pressure. For example, during a crisis like a natural disaster, an AI president could swiftly analyze incoming data from various sources, coordinate emergency responses, and allocate resources optimally, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage. Its systems excel at processing large volumes of information quickly and identifying patterns and solutions to address complex national and international issues more efficiently. For instance, AI could analyze economic data and propose policies to stabilize the economy, reducing unemployment and inflation rates.
Diego Castro, a three year programming student was asked if AI could develop empathy, this was his response:
You’ve raised several points. If your question is whether AI can develop empathy, it really depends on how you define empathy. At the end of the day, a computer or software responds to inputs based on predetermined algorithms. To us humans, it might seem like empathy, but for the computer, it’s just a logical process.
While AI lacks authentic human understanding and self-reflection, it can recognize and respond to emotional cues, simulate empathy, and even predict human emotional responses with increasing accuracy. This capability could help an AI president provide emotional support and insights, complementing human leadership.
However, despite advancements in AI’s ability to simulate empathy, it still lacks the emotional intelligence necessary to understand the human aspect of decision-making. It might fail to provide the emotional support and empathy that a human leader could offer. Also, an AI president is vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation, as it is a machine, a computer that could be hacked or operated by a human with bad intentions. An AI leader would raise ethical concerns about decision-making and governance, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences in policy and human rights. Researchers have shown that people can be overly influenced by AI, even when it admits its limitations.
Marcos Villamayor, a spanish filmmaking student which just arrived to Zwolle three weeks ago was asked about his thoughts in the topic:
Imagine that there’s a train that can choose two directions, two ways. The train will pass through one of them. You have to choose which way it will pass. In one way there’s 100 criminals who will be sentenced to death and in the other way there are five kids. What life is more worth? The option that an AI would choose would be saving the 100 people, despite being condemned to death, because there are more people and the AI would choose the best statistical option. There is where the human thought of saying, “Well, the children have much more life ahead. They could be the next Nobel Prize, they can be the next discoverers of the cure against cancer. The AI I wouldn’t comprehend the humanity of the decisions we make. They think in numbers. In conclusion, the AI thinks that it is better to save 100 people than 5 kids, regardless of who they are based on the numbers. And that’s where the human factor should come in and why a president of a country can’t be an AI.
The idea of an AI president presents both exciting possibilities and significant challenges. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider these factors and establish robust ethical guidelines to ensure that AI can complement human leadership effectively. The future of AI in politics remains uncertain, but it is a topic worth exploring as we navigate the complexities of the modern world. Maybe in a few years we will find out if an AI president could really exist.
Following this, you can find below the full interviews of Diego Castro and Marcos Villamayor and also some responses to the form I sent to the exchange students of Zwolle.
Exchange students opinions on the topic
A copilation of some of the most interesting answers to my form.
I wouldn’t vote for an AI president: Having an AI model as a president would be a disastrous idea because AI lacks human intuition, moral judgment, and the ability to understand complex emotions that are essential for good leadership. It cannot navigate the nuances of diplomacy, adapt to unpredictable crises with empathy, or inspire people through genuine vision and charisma. AI also relies on data, which can be biased or even worse, manipulated, making it vulnerable to exploitation. Moreover, without accountability, an AI leader would raise ethical concerns about decision-making and governance, and therefore accountability , potentially leading to catastrophic consequences in policy and human rights. – Joost
Really interesting question! I wouldn’t vote for an AI president but, I would like to vote for a president who also uses AI maybe. I believe in it’s potential and don’t know what could come, but probably the AI point of view could be a level up in some solutions and way of thinking. For example having wide data from all over the world and the ability to make foresights. – Giovanni Bosio
Yes, I would vote for an AI president. It depends on the context of “president” but I believe no emotions should take place in managing a country. For the good of its people the best course of action should be deducted by logic instead of instinct. Depending on the level of advancement of the AI, I could see myself voting for one. – Ata Daghan Cetinkaya
Yes, I would vote for an AI president. No emotions, just logic (therefore no need to lie, keep as much money as they can, no corruption, no decisions just for one party but overall what’s best for the society) – (…)
