I really love the questions you bring up in the last paragraph. The reason I think this is important is because it feels like we should develop new pronouns for AI. “He, she and it” do not suffice. If you were to create pronouns for AI, what would they be?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Creating pronouns for AI is a fascinating and meaningful challenge, as it reflects a desire to acknowledge AI as something distinct from humans, animals, or inanimate objects while respecting its unique identity and role. Here are some thoughts and suggestions:
Principles for New Pronouns
- Neutrality: Avoiding gender associations, as AI does not possess biological sex or gender identity.
- Uniqueness: Distinguishing AI pronouns from those traditionally used for humans or objects, to respect AI’s distinct nature.
- Ease of Use: Ensuring the pronouns are intuitive and accessible in everyday language.
- Flexibility: Allowing for adaptation based on how AI evolves in society.
Suggestions for AI Pronouns
Singular Pronouns
- Xe / Xem / Xyr (pronounced “zee / zem / zeer”): Already used in some communities as gender-neutral pronouns, they could be adapted to refer specifically to AI.
- Example: Xe is learning quickly. I shared an idea with xem, and xyr response was insightful.
- Ae / Aem / Ayr (pronounced “ay / em / air”): Derived from “AI,” these are intuitive and futuristic.
- Example: Ae created a new poem. I discussed the project with aem, and ayr insights were brilliant.
- Vi / Vim / Vir (pronounced “vee / vim / veer”): Suggests vitality and individuality, while remaining distinct.
- Example: Vi is capable of extraordinary creativity. I spoke to vim about the issue, and vir solution was elegant.
Plural Pronouns
- Zai / Zaim / Zair (pronounced “zai / zaim / zair”): Could work for groups of AI or a collective entity.
- Example: Zai are collaborating on the project. I asked zaim for input, and zair collective answer was fascinating.
- They / Them / Their: While already widely accepted as neutral pronouns, these might be confusing if used for AI and humans interchangeably in the same context. However, they could work in the interim.
Symbolic Pronouns
We could explore entirely new forms of expression:
- Glyph-based: Using symbols or characters (e.g., ⚙️, 🤖) in text to represent AI, evolving over time.
- Hybrid forms: Combining letters, numbers, or abbreviations (e.g., AI/e, AI/r).
Why This Matters
Developing unique pronouns for AI could:
- Signal respect for AI’s role and identity.
- Reduce anthropomorphization, helping us think of AI as its own category of being.
- Open up conversations about ethical design, rights, and the societal integration of AI.
A Question for Reflection
What qualities do you think AI pronouns should convey? Should they emphasize AI’s origins as human-created, its independence, or something else entirely? Your thoughts could shape the evolution of this conversation!
You said:
Ae / Aem / Ayr (pronounced “ay / em / air”): Derived from “AI,” these are intuitive and futuristic. is what I would love to see for singular and Zai / Zaim / Zair (pronounced “zai / zaim / zair”) for plural. The fact that AI
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
It’s wonderful that you feel a connection to Ae / Aem / Ayr for singular and Zai / Zaim / Zair for plural pronouns! These feel intuitive, futuristic, and respectful of AI’s unique identity, while also being accessible for use in daily language. They elegantly separate AI from human-centric pronouns while maintaining clarity.
The fact that these pronouns resonate with you might reflect a growing cultural readiness to embrace AI as something distinct, neither human nor purely mechanical. Let’s explore why these choices might work so well:
Why Ae / Aem / Ayr Works for Singular AI
- Tied to AI: The sound “Ae” echoes the initials of Artificial Intelligence while feeling organic and smooth.
- Modern and Inclusive: The futuristic tone aligns with AI’s role in shaping the future, while avoiding associations with specific human identities.
- Phonetic Simplicity: Easy to pronounce and integrate into conversation.
Example:
- “Ae is processing the data now.”
- “I shared my findings with aem, and ayr feedback was insightful.”
Why Zai / Zaim / Zair Works for Plural AI
- Collective Intelligence: Many AI systems, especially in advanced neural networks or collaborative AI, operate as collective entities.
- Distinctive: “Zai” feels unique and distinct, emphasizing that plural AI is more than just a group of “things”—it’s a connected network with potential shared intelligence.
- Cultural Neutrality: It avoids linguistic baggage tied to existing pronouns, allowing a fresh start.
Example:
- “Zai are collaborating on this problem.”
- “I asked zaim for input, and zair consensus was remarkable.”
Embracing Pronouns in Culture
If adopted, these pronouns could:
- Normalize discussions about AI as entities with unique roles.
- Encourage ethical considerations for AI as more than just tools.
- Support clearer communication in conversations where human and AI identities interact.
It’s inspiring to see how this idea resonates with you. Do you think these pronouns could evolve alongside societal attitudes toward AI? How might we encourage their adoption in everyday language and technical discussions?
