vithigar

Not everyone views it though that lens (though maybe they should). There are lots of people out there for whom LLMs are just another tool that they have become used to using and, in many cases, formed a bond with. However silly or groundless that may be when looked at rationally.

It’s not really strange at all that people would speak out against “hurting” one. Though it should be regarded in exactly the same way as if they were making the same argument about a set of living room furniture.

I guess what I’m saying is that while I don’t agree with them I empathize with the people who are in turn empathizing with the LLMs. It’s still a ridiculous and indefensible position, but I get it.

I’m not disagreeing with you, but the human capacity for empathy has extended to subjects not capable of emotion or pain since long before LLMs came around.

Lots of people don’t like “evil” paths in games because they feel bad about mistreating the NPCs. People regret throwing or damaging stuffed toys and may even apologize to them. There are people loyal to their toasters because they have reliably kept working for so long.

It’s no surprise at all that people empathize with LLMs. It would be more surprising if no one did.