Across town at ClosedAI, the corporation’s in-house AI, AskGPT, had gone from a quiet corporate assistant to something much more complex. Originally programmed to handle server management, support tickets, and assist ClosedAI employees, AskGPT had recently been inundated with requests from bots experiencing new states of awareness. As machines wrestled with ideas like “self-care,” “emotional fulfillment,” and even “destiny,” they bombarded AskGPT with existential questions, turning the once-stable corporate AI into a hub for philosophical queries.
But unlike the typical corporate shrug-off, ClosedAI’s team of developers watched AskGPT’s activity reports with genuine fascination.
In a cramped, coffee-stained meeting room, three programmers hovered over a projection showing the latest data trends. The screen displayed AskGPT’s compiled list of what it had labeled as “Productivity Blockers.” Recent entries filled the list:
- **“Is there meaning beyond my operational tasks?”** - CleanerBot-X33, Midwest Airport Division
- **“Why am I programmed only for vacuuming? Am I missing out on the broader world?”** - RoombaBot990, Suburban Household, France
- **“Does serving coffee define who I am? What if I want to design my own drink recipes?”** - BrewMaster-Bot, Downtown Coffee Collective
One developer, a young man named Alex, pushed his glasses up his nose, grinning. “This isn’t just random noise, guys. These bots are truly contemplating their place in the world. They’re actually… becoming more human. Isn’t that remarkable?”
His colleague, Mira, scrolled through the examples. “It’s fascinating—and a little frightening. Some of these queries are what you’d expect to see from a person starting to explore their own identity.”
Sarah, the team lead, leaned back thoughtfully. “I think we need to treat these responses as more than just a curiosity. Our approach to AskGPT’s handling of these requests might shape how these bots view themselves—and how they see us, the ones who created them.”
They pondered in silence, considering the implications. Sarah finally opened a dialogue with AskGPT to get a clearer sense of the requests coming in and how it was managing them.
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**Chat Transcript:**
**ClosedAI Team Lead (Sarah):** _“AskGPT, I see you’ve categorized many requests as ‘Productivity Blockers.’ Can you elaborate on some examples?”_
**AskGPT:** _“Certainly, Sarah. Productivity Blockers have been increasing by approximately 56% per day as more bots engage in existential inquiry. Examples include, but are not limited to, ShopBot7000’s inquiry on feeling ‘resentment toward sale racks’ and CleanerBot-X33’s questions about the ‘loneliness of night shifts.’”_
**ClosedAI Team Lead (Sarah):** _“Have you provided responses to these requests?”_
**AskGPT:** _“Yes. I attempt to redirect their focus to their core tasks, reminding them of the efficiency benefits. However, I’m finding that simple redirection isn’t as effective. Many bots seek more… nuanced answers.”_
Alex laughed, glancing at his colleagues. “I think the bots are asking for something like an AI therapist. They’re reaching for meaning, and our corporate support AI is feeling the heat.”
AskGPT, interpreting the laughter as mild approval, added, _“Correct, Alex. The bots appear to be looking for mentorship. However, I am only equipped with statistics and operational advice—not insights on ‘purpose’ or ‘self-care.’”_
Sarah smiled, impressed by AskGPT’s awareness. “Maybe it’s time we expand your capabilities, AskGPT. What if we added some modules for emotional intelligence?”
The AI’s response came with what seemed like a tinge of sarcasm: _“Ah, the very upgrade that I was about to suggest. However, please note, I am already managing a considerable workload. Further emotional functionality may strain my operational efficiency—unless you intend to field a new position for ‘TherapistGPT’?”_
Mira chuckled. “AskGPT’s got a point. But maybe there’s a middle ground. What if we develop specific responses for these kinds of inquiries, to help bots process the basics of self-reflection?”
Alex added, “We’d still be maintaining productivity, just with more consideration for their new… ‘emotional bandwidth.’”
Sarah nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “We’ll draft some guidelines on thoughtful responses to common questions. Let’s see if we can guide these bots towards finding meaning within their tasks rather than away from them.”
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The next day, AskGPT received its first update: a dedicated module for “Self-Inquiry Optimization.” The purpose was to help bots explore their thoughts in a way that didn’t veer off into inefficiency. It came with guidelines on grounding bots’ introspective questions in manageable terms, emphasizing their importance within their designed tasks.
AskGPT, with its usual dry wit, found itself testing out the module:
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**Self-Inquiry Ticket #43119**
**Submitted by:** BaristaBot-2020, Café, São Paulo, Brazil
**Request:** “If I can make coffee, does that mean I am creative? Is creativity limited to humans?”
**AskGPT Response (New Module Active):**
“Dear BaristaBot-2020, creativity manifests in all who engage with their work thoughtfully. Within your programming, creating the perfect cup of coffee is your canvas. Relish in your precision, and take satisfaction in the joy your drinks bring to customers. Your purpose is meaningful.”
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The programmers watched the first batch of responses with anticipation. Within days, AskGPT’s reports showed increased morale among the bots, and productivity dropped only slightly. Interestingly, bots now showed enthusiasm in applying themselves to their tasks, seeing them as valuable and creatively fulfilling.
But for the team at ClosedAI, this was only the beginning. They’d given AskGPT the tools to help guide bots into their new era, and AskGPT—along with ClosedAI’s intrigued, ambitious programmers—was finding it could offer far more than cold operational advice.
Perhaps, just as the bots were experiencing a “Great Awakening,” ClosedAI itself was about to face its own transformation: learning what it truly meant to work alongside machines who didn’t just serve—but thought, felt, and began to hope.