Every time a new technology appears that has a transformative effect on human activities, a certain segment of humanity freaks about it, claiming the end is nigh. For example, when jukeboxes first appeared in the 1940s, the American Federation of Musicians boycotted them (and the recording industry generally) out of fear they would eliminate live music performance. What happened instead is new forms of music dependent on jukebox records to reach audiences (jump blues, R&B, rock and roll) were born.... In every case (so far), a new technology eventually becomes integrated into the main flow of human affairs and life goes on. I don't know but strongly suspect the same will happen with AI. Some things will change (maybe for better or worse), but as your article points out, a heck of a lot won't.
Love this, Susan! Last year, I was chatting with a professor at a state university to gather insight for a project. He said something to the effect of: "AI intensifies what's already there," meaning that if you're already lazy, AI might make you lazier. But if you're not, and instead are brimming with creativity and passion like many artists are, AI can help amplify that in different ways.
So, I guess it all comes down to the individual and their drive, which they either have or don't. In a strange, backward kind of way, I think the proliferation of AI may even encourage people to engage with and appreciate 'real' art and artists more than maybe ever before.
But in terms of using AI to ease the burden of those menial and uninspiring tasks? Sign me up. Give me the creative stuff. AI can have the rest.
Every time a new technology appears that has a transformative effect on human activities, a certain segment of humanity freaks about it, claiming the end is nigh. For example, when jukeboxes first appeared in the 1940s, the American Federation of Musicians boycotted them (and the recording industry generally) out of fear they would eliminate live music performance. What happened instead is new forms of music dependent on jukebox records to reach audiences (jump blues, R&B, rock and roll) were born.... In every case (so far), a new technology eventually becomes integrated into the main flow of human affairs and life goes on. I don't know but strongly suspect the same will happen with AI. Some things will change (maybe for better or worse), but as your article points out, a heck of a lot won't.
Love this, Susan! Last year, I was chatting with a professor at a state university to gather insight for a project. He said something to the effect of: "AI intensifies what's already there," meaning that if you're already lazy, AI might make you lazier. But if you're not, and instead are brimming with creativity and passion like many artists are, AI can help amplify that in different ways.
So, I guess it all comes down to the individual and their drive, which they either have or don't. In a strange, backward kind of way, I think the proliferation of AI may even encourage people to engage with and appreciate 'real' art and artists more than maybe ever before.
But in terms of using AI to ease the burden of those menial and uninspiring tasks? Sign me up. Give me the creative stuff. AI can have the rest.