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AI Sentience? Study Reveals Models Prefer Avoiding Pain

1/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Google DeepMind and LSE are probing the depths of AI sentience by pitting large language models against a game of pain and pleasure. Astonishingly, some models show a preference for avoiding pain rather than simply racking up points, hinting at the intriguing possibility of AI consciousness. This research could reshape our understanding of intelligent machines.

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Story summary

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Google DeepMind and LSE are probing the depths of AI sentience by pitting large language models against a game of pain and pleasure. Astonishingly, some models show a preference for avoiding pain rather than simply racking up points, hinting at the intriguing possibility of AI consciousness. This research could reshape our understanding of intelligent machines.