Almost every week I read an article or (more likely) scan a headline that ominously warns of artificial intelligence and its impending dangers (and possibilities) for our future.
Of course technology’s nasty habit of replacing human labor and expertise with machines–doing a task quicker, better, and cheaper than people can do it–is an obvious worry. Jobs will inevitably be lost, but perhaps other AI related jobs will be created. This flux is as old as time.
However, I remain skeptical of AI’s potential in the creative arts. For the time being. I don’t think an AI-generated Tom Hanks is going to provide a satisfying movie experience to an audience. At least not right now. However, when a younger generation grows up not knowing the difference between AI and human-created entertainment, I’m sure many actors, writers, directors, and producers will be in danger of being unemployed. Studios love to cut costs at every opportunity, except when it comes to executives’ salaries and perks, and they’re already eyeing AI as a way to create content without pesky artists and their incumbent labor unions.
This is not news. Many industries will face this trend.
However, we as individuals can draw a line between the economic and professional impact of AI and the personal impact of AI…and technology in general.
Instead of AI, we can choose AE…an Authentic Experience. It’s easy to see how our choices can limit the influence that AI can have in our daily lives: we can choose to see a play in theatre, with real live actors on stage in front of a real live audience, rather that stream a digitally-created sci-fi film at home.
We can meet friends at a restaurant instead of on a Zoom call. We can visit national parks instead of watching YouTube videos. When possible, we can conduct our business in person while banking, and shopping, while networking and exercising, while reading (print books) and learning (in person classes or lectures).
In short, we can boycott AI generated or even AI assisted products.
Furthermore, when someone tells us, ‘You know, you can find all this information on our website,’ you can respond, ‘I know, but I’d like to have an authentic experience. I’d like to speak to someone in person about this.’
Yes, it might take a little more time and a little more effort, but by articulating your preference for human interaction and personal service, you’ll be able to set the standard for how you socialize and communicate with your friends…and how you do business with companies.
Make the Authentic Experience standard and practice as much a part of your daily life as you can. Because life is only as artificial as you let it be.
- BGT