CURIOUSITY has been a driving force behind our species’ remarkable success. By pushing us to question the status quo and explore the unknown, this innate desire to learn has sparked some of our greatest achievements—and shaped the course of human history. In a world where AI is rapidly transforming our lives, it may seem obvious that we need human curiosity more than ever before.
But most arguments in favor of human curiosity are really attempts to reassure ourselves that AI won’t overtake humanity (I hope you all agree)! There are compelling reasons why human curiosity is needed more than ever in the age of AI, and they stem from the fundamental differences between human and AI curiosity. The subjective nature of human curiosity allows us to grasp the nuances of real-world situations, considering multiple viewpoints and moral implications, and integrating a rich, empathetic context when exploring ideas. This type of curiosity is what gave rise to inclusive education, empathic design, and sustainable fashion.
On the other hand, AI curiosity operates from a supposedly objective and fact-based standpoint. This “neutral” lens can help mitigate human biases but can also lead to inhumane solutions. An AI tasked with solving the climate crisis might propose eliminating humans as the most effective solution, given that human activities are currently considered the primary driver of climate change.
Problem solved! Finally, humanity’s intrinsic motivation to explore can dr.
