Exploring the Intersections of AI, Behavior, and Society

In an era marked by the rapid ascent of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and advanced language models like ChatGPT, society at large finds itself at the forefront of transformative changes. Machines powered by AI increasingly mediate our social, cultural, economic, and political interactions, evolving into active agents in the world. Therefore, understanding the emergent behavioral dynamics of these intelligent machines, as well as human-machine collectives, is crucial for leveraging their potential while minimizing potential risks.

With AI now permeating every aspect of our lives, from shaping global finance to influencing personal interactions, a profound understanding of machine behavior becomes a necessity and key research endeavor of behavioral science. This involves dissecting the emergent behaviors of both standalone AI systems and complex human-machine collectives. The seminal Nature article on machine behavior has set the stage, advocating for a comprehensive research agenda that transcends disciplinary boundaries, integrating insights from computer science, psychology, cognitive science, economics, and more.

Tackling the complexities of AI's behavior demands more than a singular perspective. A rich, interdisciplinary approach – spanning computer science, psychology, sociology, and other fields – is needed to decode the nuanced nature of AI. This collaborative endeavor is required for responsibly investigating AI's capabilities, ensuring ethical applications, and guiding its integration into society.

The upcoming Machine+Behavior Conference is not only a continuation but an expansion of the discourse on machine behavior. It's a platform that will bring together experts across diverse domains – from computer to behavioral science – to advance our collective understanding of both human and machine behavior.

How do we ensure behavioral AI safety? What does the future of work and human communication entail in an AI-driven era? And how can we guide cultural shifts in this new age? These are just some of the important questions that we will delve into during the conference, along with addressing technical, legal, and institutional challenges in studying machine behavior and setting the stage for further research and policy development.