I wanted to take the time to write a thoughtful response as it seems to be a wider conversation I am having with myself, as well as the small circle of friends who share an interest in the topic.

I agree mostly with your comment. I think the Internet (social media) is a neutralizer that advances the deeper conversation if it is understood by both people that you share a need for Truth.

I have met many interesting people online but will never meet them and there is a comfort in that for me. Those who do not benefit from contriving self before we can interact is refreshing for me. However, there is also an unspoken deflection of some truth as people also put out an intended, contrived self with a goal of persuading others. Innate to humans and built into AI to some extent.

I think, depending on the context of engagement truth is attainable. Per your reference to Minsky — is true communication only attainable when there is physical presence? What is that today, when man and machine are becoming a mashup?

A colleague of mine always insists on having her first client meeting online because she feels her small stature, and being a woman doesn’t travel well in certain groups. She may end up reading this and expand on this… People are naturally prejudiced about the human form, especially when it carries any message. Maybe a good balance is needed with AI/ Human oversite to transition us into what will be an interesting future where machine motives need greater transparency.