Polemic

Some random thoughts on AI and shite…

Regularly, through our weekly Drop-in sessions, the subject of AI arises, raises discourse temperatures and animates the ongoing conversation amongst the multigenerational and multicultural dynamic cohorts…

Most significant to me has been the level of intensity and quasi-vitriol expressed by younger creatives…a fairly aggressive and angry dismissal of virtually any product, result or hint of AI involvement in creative work.

From my perspective, top of mind would be the issues of plagiarism, concept usurpation, copyright and payment. This, followed closely by (to my mind) concerns about diminishing of quality and homogenization of product and experience…and along with that the massive carbon footprint and disastrous effects on our planet wreaked by data centers and AI infrastructure.

To none of which we can turn a blind or unconcerned eye.

To what, I wonder, can we attribute the intensity of resistance and rejection of anything created with the/an AI tool? More than once, I’ve seen work rejected, unexamined, simply because the use of AI is evident in the piece. And, can we do anything about it?

“I saw it was AI so I didn’t even look at it.” Dismissing anything without examination is, imho, seems sure to ensure outright rejection of the unexamined work or point of view without seeing any knowledge or fresh idea that may be woven into that fabric.

Some years ago, in conversation with a colleague of mine (David Lescaut) about the gift component of multinational travel inherent in the industry in which we work, David asked if I ever worried about the carbon footprint of all that travel. Until then <facepalm> I hadn’t really given it much thought.

Now, with video conferencing and more remote work arrangements, I’m seeing we can curb much of that travel and organize it with that in mind.

I’m wondering if and how we are going to factor the protection of the planet into the use of AI and it’s progeny. It is an imminent threat and unavoidable challenge that we must (and are, in many forums) address.

I believe that beneath that, though, is something more visceral. I sense a fear of being unable to support oneself as an artist, as a creative, in a world where “art” (or, better and bitterly, we might say, “content”) can be delivered…undermining quality and fostering the above mentioned homogeneity.

Aldous Huxley’s SOMA as a way of life, wherein Creativity and Unbridled Thought may have become irrelevant or nonexistent.

Hate and anger are so often born of fear and doubt. Witness what has taken place in the USA out of fear of the unknown, fear of losing one’s livelihood, fear of an uncertain future…

Are people fearful of being unable to provide for themselves and their families through pursuing their passion? Do they fear that without a call for their work that they, too, may become irrelevant, unneeded, and the degrees, arts and crafts they have studied and pursued can no longer support them?

And now, for my Pollyanna leap.

I believe there are some countries in the world wherein citizens need not worry about paying for education, public transportation, medical care and the necessities of life, irrespective of career, profession, craft or job.

What if we did that? What if we took care of our citizens. What if they needn’t worry about feeding their babies, educating themselves, being productive, contributing members of Society, having a roof over their heads and staying healthy? The money’s there; simply in the wrong pockets…n’est-çe pas?

There is enough money, there are enough natural resources, there is enough food on this planet to take care of everyone on it.

Being the richest country on Earth, what if our taxes were equal across the board, and those monies went to supporting our population so that there are no homeless, anyone can see the doctor they need, families are fed…? What if the money were distributed such that people were assured of safety, health and education and could pursue what fulfills them.

Were that to be the case; would it undermine the profit motive or might it inspire unrestrained aspiration and perhaps a more universal commitment to quality of life for all citizens?

Complete Fantasy?

Unrealistic? Possibly.

Possible? I believe so.

Not tomorrow, to be sure.

Ever?

Acceptance Is Not Optional Silence Is Permission