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AI and the Rise of Perceived Consciousness Among Gen Z
ChatGPT’s new o3 model achieves a score of 136 on the Mensa IQ test and 116 on an alternative assessment, showcasing a significant leap in AI capabilities.Recent findings indicate that 25% of Gen Z believes AI has already attained consciousness, with over half anticipating it will happen soon.The rapid evolution in IQ ratings and beliefs surrounding AI consciousness raises important questions.
OpenAI’s latest version of ChatGPT, referred to as o3, has recorded an impressive IQ score of 136 on the Norway Mensa test, placing it in the ranks of the highest humans, surpassing 98% of the population. This advancement in artificial intelligence demonstrates a remarkable transformation in the complexity, flexibility, and apparent intelligence of AI systems within a short span.
This rapid progression has prompted some observers to draw parallels with fictional representations of sentient AI, such as Skynet from the “Terminator” franchise. A recent survey by EduBirdie reveals that a quarter of Gen Z members believe AI has already reached self-awareness, while over half predict it will soon become sentient, potentially leading to discussions about rights and recognition.
It’s crucial to note the nature of the IQ evaluation. The Mensa test is publicly accessible, which raises the concern that the o3 model may have trained on the available questions or answers. In response to this, researchers at MaximumTruth.org created a new offline IQ test designed to eliminate any potential biases from pre-existing knowledge.
On this new assessment, o3 scored 116, still categorizing it within the top 15% of human intelligence, suggesting it has capabilities akin to a particularly smart graduate student or a competitive trivia enthusiast. While lacking any true emotions or consciousness, the model exhibits advanced logical reasoning skills.
This contrasts sharply with the previous year’s performance when no AI managed to achieve a score above 90 on the same scale. Just a year ago, AI struggled with basic spatial reasoning tasks, whereas now, o3 stands confidently among the higher echelons of reported human intelligence.
The competitive landscape is evolving as well, with other AI models such as Claude and Gemini also showing improvement in their performance metrics. Even the standard version of ChatGPT, GPT-4o, trails closely behind o3 in IQ testing.
However, the trend goes beyond merely increasing IQ scores. AI systems are rapidly learning and adapting in ways that reflect software enhancement rather than human cognitive development. Such accelerated growth may feel uncomfortable, particularly for a generation accustomed to interacting with technology from a young age.
Understanding AI Perception and Consciousness
For many young individuals raised in a world integrated with digital assistants like Google, Siri, and Alexa, the perception of AI transcends traditional definitions. For those who navigated the pandemic via virtual platforms, the interaction with AI can resemble participation in a Zoom meeting — fostering a sense of familiarity.
The EduBirdie survey highlights that around 70% of Gen Z respondents express polite gestures such as saying “please” and “thank you” while communicating with AI tools. Additionally, many utilize AI for professional communication, with some employing it for composing emails, addressing sensitive topics, or even discussing workplace frustrations.
This willingness to engage with AI on personal levels, including treating it as a friend (26%) or a romantic partner (6%), contributes to the perception of AI as conscious entities. The more interactions occur, the more anthropomorphic tendencies emerge — influencing beliefs about AI’s sentience. As AI becomes more adept at answering questions and displaying mimicked empathy, deeper philosophical questions arise regarding the nature of consciousness.
Nevertheless, it remains essential to differentiate between intelligence and consciousness. High IQ results do not equate to self-awareness. An entity can excel in logical problem-solving without possessing true awareness or feelings. While AI might excel at reasoning to human-like levels, its capabilities do not imply emotional understanding or consciousness.
The future might hold breakthroughs in AI development, but skepticism remains regarding the advent of genuine self-aware systems. It is crucial to recognize the boundaries and limitations of current AI technologies, which excel in functional tasks but lack the intrinsic qualities that define consciousness. Caution is advisable when sharing sensitive information with AI, as its evolving nature could result in unanticipated consequences.
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