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What makes us human? AI and dementia offer a clue
AI can simulate what we do, but humans cherish one another for who they are.
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The issues surrounding artificial intelligence and dementia oblige us to confront and reaffirm what makes us truly human, say the writers.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Ng Kok Pin and Philip Yap
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Rose, who shares a close relationship with her daughter Mary, has been living with dementia for eight years. At a clinic visit, Mary breaks down in tears while talking about her mum’s progressive deterioration in recent months. Rose fails to recognise her on occasions, and can barely string together words to form coherent responses.
“She is my best friend and agony aunt, I wish I could have her back”, Mary struggles to hold back her tears as she speaks. She regains her composure, whips out her phone and exclaims, “ChatGPT is my agony aunt now!”
