Still The Age Of Humans: Why AI Must Learn To Coexist
How should AI conduct itself in a world still fundamentally led by humans? Let's try and find out.
By Jaspreet Bindra
For over six decades, artificial intelligence has quietly evolved — but it’s only since the launch of ChatGPT that conversations about the ‘age of AI’ have reached a fever pitch. We’re now surrounded by a growing belief that AI is taking center stage and that humans must scramble to adapt. I’ve echoed this sentiment myself, suggesting we double down on our innately human traits — curiosity, empathy, and creativity — instead of mimicking machines. Yet, perhaps it’s time to challenge this perspective.
What If We’ve Been Looking At It The Wrong Way?
Despite the power of today’s large language models and advanced algorithms, this era still belongs to us — humans. We build these systems, frame the regulations, and bear the outcomes of their successes and failures. AI, as it stands today, cannot independently shoulder responsibility. To think that AI will replace us is to overlook the role of humans as creators and custodians of technology.
So, what if the more relevant question is this: How should AI conduct itself in a world still fundamentally led by humans?
This shift in framing unveils a more accurate truth: AI is the newcomer, and humanity has long written the rules. Like any new participant in a shared space, AI must learn to respect the customs of its environment. It’s not about humans becoming more robotic but about technology becoming more human-aware.
Perhaps our focus should be on how machines can respectfully integrate into our human-designed systems.
With that in mind, here’s a (sort of) Manifesto for AI to remain relevant and responsible in our human-centric world:
Be Trustworthy
For AI to gain real acceptance, it must become a responsible member of human society, committed to honesty, transparency, and alignment with human values. Since humans are the architects behind these models, we must insist tthat hey are designed to be truthful and avoid generating misinformation. AI shouldn’t bluff its way through uncertainty. Like people, it should be okay for AI to admit, “I don’t know.”
A future built on trust demands AI systems that are open and accountable, not mysterious black boxes.
Be Fair
Fairness isn't a bonus feature in human society — it’s foundational. Likewise, AI must be built with a deep awareness of its biases and a genuine intent to correct them. No system, human or artificial, is ever perfectly neutral. But just as thoughtful individuals seek balance by listening to different perspectives, AI, too, must strive to make well-rounded, equitable decisions.
Justice in the AI age means recognising complexity, not flattening it.
Be Environmentally Conscious
AI’s environmental toll is far from negligible. Training today’s large models consumes vast resources — electricity and water and emits carbon at staggering levels. As the field matures, it must embrace sustainability through innovation: smaller, more efficient models, low-impact infrastructure, and green energy sources.
AI must help preserve the very world it wants to live in, not harm it in the process.
Be Dignified
This may not be as tangible as code or compute, but it’s critical. AI must respect human dignity by avoiding manipulation, coercion, and the subtle erosion of agency. The failures of social media offer stark lessons. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life — at work and at home — its role must be to enhance human independence, not diminish it.
Let AI be a collaborator that uplifts our choices, not one that silently takes them away.
Be Humble
Above all, AI needs humility. It should evolve with grace, remain open to feedback, and always defer to human judgment when needed. This becomes vital if and when we move toward Artificial Super Intelligence. The only path to safe coexistence is through systems that know their limits and embrace correction.
Humility may be AI’s most underrated feature — but it might just be its most necessary one.
As AI and humanity continue to intersect, this shouldn’t be seen as a battle for dominance. Instead, we’re better off treating it as a collaboration, where AI enhances our abilities and extends our thinking, without supplanting our judgment. Humans, despite their flaws, are still best suited to lead.
The challenge isn’t surviving AI — it’s teaching AI to coexist with the beautiful mess that is humanity. The bigger danger might not lie in artificial intelligence at all, but in very human short-sightedness.
(The author is the CEO of AI&Beyond)
Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.
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