The Consciousness Divide: Will AI Minds Split Society?

As AI systems grow more capable, the question of machine consciousness could become a major societal fault line: a US study finds deep public disagreement on whether future AI can be conscious (45% say no, 23% say yes). With potential rights, welfare, and safety implications, and with experts split (e.g., Anil Seth arguing biology may be required vs. David Chalmers suggesting it could be possible), the piece argues for cautious, evidence-based public debate to avoid mislabeling or ignoring AI welfare.