>Imagine what would happen if we could combine the powerful neural structure of our brain and the efficiency of machines.


First we would have to understand the "powerful neural structure of our brain".  We are very far from doing that now.  If we wish to mimic human intelligence, there's a long road ahead.  The brain is a mystery to us.  We don't understand mental illness.  We certainly can't treat it effectively.  We don't understand neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.  We don't understand communication. (See, for example, a recent [insight](https://www.sciencealert.com/neuroscientists-say-they-ve-found-an-entirely-new-form-of-neural-communication) into neural communication.)  If AI wants to duplicate brain processes...forget it.  Years ahead.  Can AI duplicate outcome (performance) without duplicating the procedure by which humans achieve that outcome? I don't think so.  

You're right when you say bots can fool people.  That's just because people don't pay attention.  Hucksters fool people too.  I think the problem is not improving AI so it can more accurately mirror humans.  I think we would better invest that time, money and research into education, into teaching people to pay attention and be more skeptical, generally.

AI imitating humans reminds me of that great movie [*Lars and the Real Girl*]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lars_and_the_Real_Girl)  The mannequin was effective not because it was true to life, but because it was true to Lars' needs, his perceptions.

If you want to read a long discussion about AI on Steemit, take a look at [@erh.germany's](https://steemit.com/science/@erh.germany/when-the-book-reads-you-while-you-think-you-read-the-book) most recent blog. 

Thanks for engaging.  It was a good way to get my own neural circuity working on a lazy Sunday afternoon.