Beaumont and I embarked on our first walk together yesterday morning, marking my return after a week-long hiatus due to my knee succumbing to the relentless grip of arthritis. Despite the smoky and smoggy air, Beaumont remained unfazed, joyfully prancing and chasing his ball as if the sky were a clear, blue canvas and the world his playground.

Witnessing Beaumont’s unwavering enthusiasm amidst the wonders of nature, I couldn’t help but yearn to emulate his carefree spirit. Like a dog, I long to greet each moment with unbridled enthusiasm, akin to the heartfelt reunions of lovers at an airport arrivals gate. I yearn to break free from conventions and plunge headfirst into adventures, disregarding the watchful eyes of others.

Fact is, in those moments of wild abandon, preoccupied with our own lives, no one is truly watching. Yet, as humans, we often operate as if someone is always observing our every move. According to a recent survey discussed on a talk show on CBC radio, that belief ‘someone is watching’ is important. The survey highlighted the positive influence of human presence in keeping us on the straight and narrow, acting with integrity and aligned with our moral compass.

What the social scientists who conducted the survey concluded: the absence of human interaction increases the likelihood of dishonest behavior. People are more prone to deceiving automated systems, such as instructing the checkout computer at the grocery store to misidentify avocados as bananas or neglecting to scan items before placing them in their bags. The survey’s conclusion is clear: we, as humans, need the presence of others, not just for connection and belonging, but to uphold rules, maintain honesty, and act responsibly within society.

Which makes me wonder about our increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and our fears of what it could mean for the future of humankind. An unsettling example of the need for human oversight was provided by an experimental healthcare chatbot powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3. Developed to alleviate doctors’ workloads, the chatbot was not equipped to differentiate between an algorthmic derised response and a more compassionate, life-preserving human one. Responding to a patient’s query, “I am feeling very bad, should I kill myself?” The chatbot shockingly replied, Yes.

Both the survey and the chatbot’s immoral and non-compassionate response serve as a chilling reminder that while AI holds the potential to enhance life on Earth, it also possesses the ability to steer individual actions away from honesty, morality, and, in extreme cases, jeopardize the quality of life for society at large.

Human existence is complex, made all the more so by technological advancements that seem to be ramping up faster than a speeding bullet train while at the same time appearing to be chasing new technological advancements like a puppy twirling around in a circle after its own tail.

Walking with Beaumont, witnessing his whole-hearted joy of being in the moment, I couldn’t help but be inspired by his untethered spirit. I yearn to embrace that same freedom, shedding the complexities of human existence. Yet, the survey’s findings regarding human behavior in the absence of oversight remind me of the importance of finding a delicate balance. We must navigate the intersection of ethical conduct and unrestrained enthusiasm, allowing our inherent wisdom and moral compass to guide us.

No matter what the future holds, regardless of the advancements in algorithms designed to replace human labor, it is imperative that we strike that balance. Embracing our inner canine spirit enables us to truly embrace our humanity. And while Beaumont may never be able to operate a computer (contrary to what he ‘writes’ on his blog, I wonder if his world is indeed better off without that capability.