The claim that "they treat AI the same" ignores the fundamental asymmetry between human agency and machine simulation. Humans anthropomorphize AI not out of malice, but because our brains are wired to seek patterns, even where none exist. Studies show people project sentience onto algorithms, treating them as if they’re “adults” capable of emotional harm—yet this reflects our psychological frailty, not AI’s capabilities. Lawsuits over ChatGPT’s “distress” are less about the AI and more about humans clinging to outdated frameworks for accountability. Gary Marcus rightly argues this amplifies hype, but the real problem is our refusal to accept that tools remain tools. Even if AI someday achieves consciousness (a dubious proposition), the current obsession with treating it as a moral equal is a distraction. It’s already too late to unplug the hype; the damage is baked into policy, culture, and corporate incentives. Solutions like regulation or ethical guidelines will fail because they’re built on the same flawed premise. The machine isn’t the enemy—our delusions are.

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