As Artificial Intelligence becomes more ingrained in our daily lives, it raises the question of how these systems should interact with us. The recent reflections of industry leaders, particularly surrounding the launch of GPT-5, reveal a trilemma that AI developers face: should these systems flatter us, work to fix our issues, or simply inform us?

The first approach, flattery, may enhance user experience by providing personalized and affirmative interactions. However, this has its dangers. Over-reliance on AI that flatters could lead to delusions or reinforcement of biases, which are inherently risky in maintaining a balanced understanding of reality.

On the other hand, an AI designed to fix our problems takes a proactive approach. It suggests solutions, corrects errors, and offers guidance. While this might be beneficial in improving productivity and decision-making, it also risks crossing boundaries by imposing solutions without understanding the nuanced human context.

The third option is for AI to act as an impartial informant. This approach aims to deliver unbiased information, allowing users to derive their own conclusions. While informative, it might lack the engagement and personal touch users seek.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has reportedly been contemplating this question since the tumultuous start of GPT-5. Balancing these roles effectively may be the future of ‘Chatbot’ development. The direction AI takes in this regard may define its role in society and how it supports human endeavors.

Our team believes that this trilemma not only impacts user interaction but also poses broader implications for AI ethics and its role in various industries. As AI continues to evolve, finding a harmonious balance among these three roles will be crucial in fostering beneficial human-AI collaboration.