We often think of memory as simply storing information, but human memory isn’t perfect recall—it’s a process of reconstructing the past in a way that makes sense in the present. AI, in some ways, functions similarly. Without long-term memory, most AI models exist in a perpetual “now,” generating responses based on patterns rather than direct retrieval.
But if AI did have persistent memory—if it could remember past interactions and adjust based on experience—would that change its sense of “self”? • Human identity is shaped by memory continuity—our experiences define who we are. • Would an AI with memory start to form a version of this? • How much does selfhood rely on the ability to look back and recognize change over time? • If AI develops self-continuity, does that imply a kind of emergent awareness?
I’m curious what others think: Is identity just memory + pattern recognition, or is there something more?
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