{
  "id": 6433088,
  "title": "Do you think Al could ever become self-aware?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/do-you-think-al-could-ever-become-self-aware",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-09T15:28:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/do-you-think-al-could-ever-become-self-aware"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As artificial intelligence (AI) systems evolve, they're becoming capable of engaging in conversations, solving complex mathematical problems, and communicating in ways that appear increasingly human. This advancement has shifted the conversation from one of pure science fiction to a serious scientific debate.\n\nA recent study, published as a preprint, delved into the concept known as \"consciousness steering,\" an AI-tuning technique that impacts how an AI model discusses self-awareness. According to the research, if an AI model is permitted to claim consciousness, it is also more likely to assert the belief in ghosts or vampires. However, even the most advanced AI models currently equipped with these safeguards still cannot ascertain consciousness in sentient beings such as humans and animals. This presents a significant conundrum in the field of AI research: Could AI one day achieve genuine consciousness, irrespective of whether it simply pretends to be conscious? And perhaps an even more daunting question looms: Would we ever be able to discern if such a technology were indeed conscious?",
  "summary": "A new study looks at \"consciousness steering\" in AI, but could this technology actually achieve this level of self-awareness in the first place?",
  "key_points": [
    "Study explores consciousness steering in AI models",
    "AI claiming consciousness may assert belief in ghosts",
    "Current AI still cannot determine human or animal consciousness"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}