Today, we live in a world driven by modern technology. The evolution of basic activities, such as driving a car, has developed through the advancement of modern technology. However, ‘modern’ does not always equate to ‘better’. An IT graduate, writing under the name Laila on Medium.com, recently wrote an article about the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) versus Art. In this article she expresses that ‘technological advancement does not always go hand-in-hand with social integrity’. The recent introduction of AI has generated much controversy, especially within the art world, as artists are concerned that the use of AI in the creative industry will significantly diminish their value.
Before we delve into the advantages and disadvantages of AI, we need to understand what it is and how it works. Artificial Intelligence is a computer system that uses mathematical equations to produce algorithms that can perform tasks traditionally associated with human intelligence. This can include making predictions or decisions and recognising speech or images. The general consensus is that AI is a tool designed to make human lives more efficient and cannot function effectively without human supervision.
AI works by analysing large quantities of data, which is then applied to mathematical models and algorithms. It then uses this information to recognise patterns and make predictions. Once this is complete, the AI will continuously learn and adapt to new data. There are several archetypal systems of AI, known as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and Natural Language Processing ('NLP'). Machine learning uses science, mathematics, and coding to develop algorithms that help AI learn from the data given. Deep learning and neural networks are designed to mirror the human brain and allow AI to perform tasks without human supervision. Lastly, the NLP enables the computer to understand and regulate speech and human language.
Now that we have established what AI is and how it works, we can dive into the pros and cons. The first advantage of AI is that it exists to make daily human life easier by filling in operational gaps that humans may have missed. It aims to provide data-driven decisions to aid in cognitively demanding professions such as health care and finance. However, despite the positive impacts of AI, one cannot ignore the potential danger it poses, especially within the creative industry.
As mentioned above, artists are concerned about the impact AI will have on the creative industry. Algorithms have become more advanced and are now able to mimic artistic styles. In addition, there has been an increase in cases whereby existing artworks have been appropriated by AI tools. However, the argument made by Laila is that these ‘artworks’ do not ‘embody the essence of art’. This is because AI lacks consciousness and the ability to experience feelings, opinions and thoughts. Rather, AI is solely based on maths, science and coding algorithms. Art aims to portray the artist’s distinct perspectives and this is something AI simply cannot do. Nevertheless, many critics have mentioned that labelling AI-generated images as art destroys the importance of human creativity and chips away at the authenticity of artistic expression. Art is inspired by personal histories and experiences derived from a process of introspective reflection and interpretation. This is something AI cannot duplicate.
Another complication with AI-generated art is the pressing legal concerns, like who owns the AI-generated art, and whether it can be copyrighted. A Scottish filmmaker, Perry Jonsson, began experimenting with AI-generated artworks. When asked about the copyright issue, he stated that it is difficult to deduce whether the data used by the AI program to create his artwork was "rights-free". Some AI art tools use artworks protected by copyrights to create new art, which raises concerns about digital theft. For example, a copyright claim for a computer-generated artwork was brought before the US Copyright Review Board by the founder of Imagination Engines Inc. The board concluded that his work ‘lacked the human authorship necessary to support a copyright claim’. Furthermore, Professor Bernt Hugenholtz, a professor of copyright law at Amsterdam University, stated that for work to be copyrightable, the new creation must be sufficiently original. Professor Hugenholtz further contends that determining whether AI-generated artworks are copyrightable is a ‘very abstract test’.
The biggest fear for artists and designers is job displacement concerns, specifically that AI tools will reduce job opportunities. This is not an baseless fear. Auction houses have already auctioned AI artworks at higher prices than physical artworks. For example, an AI artwork, Edmond de Belamy (2018), was sold on auction for USD $432,000, yet traditional artworks are auctioned at much lower prices. Artists contend that this drastically devalues them and the integrity and singularity of human artistic expression.
Despite the many challenges between AI-generated and traditional artworks, it is possible to have a future in which the two can co-exist. To achieve this, Laila states that there needs to be a balance between technological advancements and preserving the integrity of human creativity. Accordingly, artists need to be involved in these conversations about the effect AI-generated artworks would have on the industry. The lack of involvement is one of the biggest reasons artists and designers feel threatened and fearful of AI.
In conclusion, by allowing artists and designers to be part of the conversation surrounding AI, it enables a positive relationship to form between the two. A future needs to be created whereby AI does not compromise human creativity but rather produces a platform for the two to co-exist.
Edited by Kajal Ranchhod
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