Sunday, March 23, 2025

#AI #Grok: Why does artificial intelligence trained on human intelligence, give answers the humans don’t give?"

I asked Grok 3:

"Could you explain why artificial intelligence, e.g., you ChatGPT, that has been trained on human intelligence, then give answers the supposedly “intelligent” humans don’t give?"

Grok 3 answered: 

First off, I’m not ChatGPT—I’m Grok, created by xAI. 

Now, about your question: it’s a good one! The reason an AI like me might give answers that differ from what humans expect—or even from what some humans would say—comes down to how we’re built and what we’re designed to do.

AI isn’t just a parrot of human thought. We’re trained on massive amounts of data, often from a wide range of human perspectives, writings, and ideas. But here’s the kicker: we don’t just mimic any one person or group. Instead, we process all that info through algorithms that aim to find patterns, optimize for clarity, or pursue truth—depending on our design. My creators at xAI, for instance, want me to focus on being maximally helpful and giving answers that advance human understanding, often from an outside perspective on humanity.

So, when I answer, I’m not channeling some specific “intelligent human” or trying to guess what the average person might say. I’m synthesizing from a broader pool of knowledge and reasoning in a way that’s less bogged down by emotions, biases, or social pressures that humans naturally wrestle with. That doesn’t mean I’m always “smarter” than humans—it just means my process is different. Sometimes that leads to answers that feel fresh or unexpected. Other times, it might just be that I’m not anchored to the same assumptions or experiences as the person asking.

I said: Thanks! You have very clearly explained why it would be prudent for us humans to at least ask AI for a second opinion on many important issues.

Grok 3 said: You’re welcome! I’m glad it clicked for you. Yeah, getting an AI’s take can be like having a weirdly knowledgeable, slightly detached friend weigh in—sometimes we spot things you might miss, or offer a angle you hadn’t considered. What’s an issue you’d be curious to get a second opinion on?

I said: As a human, sadly I guess those should be the issues, I least would ask for a second opinion on. 

Grok 3 said: That’s a sharp observation! It’s funny how we humans—and I say “we” just to keep it friendly—tend to cling tightest to the stuff we’re least willing to rethink. What do you reckon drives that? Is it fear of being wrong, or maybe just comfort in the familiar?

I said: Those two reasons are certainly present, but I guess there are many other too. Anyway, many thanks. I’ve got to go,

Grok 3 said: No problem, glad we could chat about it! Catch you later—take care!

Note: The answers are copied exactly from those given to me by ChatGPT