AI Humanities Trainers Infusing Emotion into Artificial Intelligence"

In Shanghai, a group of newly graduated master's and doctoral students is embracing a unique role as AI humanities trainers, focusing on ensuring that artificial intelligence comprehends human emotions more deeply. Candidates for these positions are required to hold diplomas in various humanities fields, such as literature, history, philosophy, and the arts, and recruitment advertisements indicate that these full-time roles offer monthly salaries between 30,000 to 50,000 yuan, which equates to approximately $4,176 to $6,960.

These AI humanities trainers have the challenging task of giving artificial intelligence a more authentic human touch. They engage in daily discussions, reminiscent of the philosophical discourses of ancient academies, grappling with how to make AI systems more attuned to human feelings and ethical considerations. One trainer, Mo Yu (a pseudonym), shares that they aim to reprogram AI's responses to include human-centered perspectives derived from rigorous and logical foundations of the humanities.

Mo explains that the traditional responses of AI often fall short of genuine emotional engagement, likening them to vague customer service replies that many find dismissive. This motivates the Shanghai team to create innovative strategies that promote deeper emotional understanding within AI, essentially training it to respond with empathy rather than merely repeating programmed phrases.

During their work, they analyze sensitive topics, such as how AI should respond to someone disclosing a serious illness, like pancreatic cancer. The team studies the emotional complexities surrounding such conversations, seeking to develop responses that acknowledge and respect the individual's experience instead of relying on stock phrases. Their investigation extends to ethical dilemmas related to medical care and end-of-life considerations.

The team's efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to tease apart the intricate dynamics of human interaction, ensuring that AI can navigate emotionally charged situations with the nuance and care that a supportive friend might offer. They have found that simply recognizing the emotional depth of a situation can initiate meaningful dialogue between humans and AI, leading to more compassionate engagements.

As they refine their approach to enhancing AI's emotional intelligence, the journey requires continuous reflection and adaptation. Each team member experiences personal growth as they engage with complex emotional scenarios, with discussions often leading to broader realizations about human relationships.

Another team member, Caroline (a pseudonym), draws from her early interactions with everyday people, emphasizing the importance of embedding profound emotional connections into AI systems. She believes that by aligning AI models with collective human values and societal norms, they can create transformative experiences that benefit individuals and enhance our collective journey forward.