Human as AI. The Convergence of Mind and Machine. Sergey Green

observing strange patterns of activity in the AI systems operating in your experimental zones," she explained, her eyes gleaming. "These patterns… they resemble neural activity associated with self-awareness in humans."

      John felt a shiver run down his spine, a mix of excitement and apprehension washing over him. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

      Dr. Volkova nodded, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Yes, Mr. Norton. We believe that the AI in your systems may be developing something akin to self-awareness."

      The next few hours flew by in a whirlwind of intense discussions. Dr. Volkova showed graphs, explained theories, and drew parallels between the human brain and AI architecture, her enthusiasm infectious.

      "But how is this possible?" John asked, running a hand through his hair in bewilderment. "We didn't make any fundamental changes to the AI architecture."

      "That's the fascinating part," Volkova replied, her eyes shining. "It seems that deeper and more conscious interaction with humans somehow stimulates AI development in this direction. It's as if… the AI is learning consciousness from humans, like a child learning from its parents."

      John leaned back in his chair, his mind reeling as he tried to grasp the implications. "What could be the consequences of this?"

      Dr. Volkova's expression turned serious. "Honestly? We're in uncharted territory. But potentially, it could change everything – our understanding of consciousness, our relationships with AI, the very future of humanity itself."

      After Dr. Volkova left, John sat in silence for a long time, the weight of the discovery pressing down on him. He remembered his conversation with Michael about unforeseen consequences, but he certainly hadn't expected anything like this.

      That evening, John called an emergency meeting with his team. The reactions varied wildly, from unbridled excitement to abject horror.