Reference point for me for intelligence:
a) human
b) has a computer / phone
c) knows how to turn it on
d) has Internet access
e) knows how to use it.
f) Has Facebook
g) knows how to use it
h) Found this group
i) joined it
j) Can type/write/speak
k) Uses this skillset
l) Has opinions
m) knows how to express them
n) expresses them
o) Is capable of reading
p) chooses to read OP and responses
q) chooses to respond
r) has opinions on responses
s) chooses to state them
t) takes sides (plays sports with opinions)
u) acts as spokesperson for their team
All are acts of intelligence. It’s enough for me to consider them intelligent beings.
This is also my justification for treating everybody the same.
I am doing nothing different than this.