The Artistic Debate: Artists Defend Generative AI
Many artists fear that artificial intelligence will destroy their livelihoods, but a group of artists using generative AI recently defended its use. They wrote an open letter addressed to US Senator Chuck Schumer and other Congress members, stating that generative AI tools are “empowering and expressive” rather than destructive to the creative process. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms lives worldwide, conflicting perspectives on its benefits and risks have emerged. To promote a healthy discussion on this technology, it is important to hear everyone’s opinions. This aligns with the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s slogan: “Balanced News, Fearless Views.”
The AI Open Letter from Artists
On September 6, 2023, 79 artists using generative AI signed a letter addressed to Senator Schumer and the US Congress. The letter begins with a quote from renowned musician Björk: “I find it so amazing when people tell me that electronic music has no soul. You can’t blame the computer. If there’s no soul in the music, it’s because nobody put it there.” The artists ask the government to help them “put soul in our work.” They explain that most of them have dedicated themselves to learning traditional media while envisioning the possibilities of generative AI. They believe that generative AI makes art more accessible, removing barriers such as high costs, physical limitations, and social connections. However, many criticize the technology, falsely claiming that it is simply regurgitating existing works or engaging in data theft. The generative AI artists emphasize that their focus is on ingenuity and creating new works, building upon previous concepts, ideas, genres, and cultures. They express concern that fellow artists are hesitant to embrace these new tools due to fear of backlash. The signatories believe that artists can enrich AI by directing its innovation towards positive cultural evolution and addressing the essential human dimensions it currently lacks. They call on Senator Schumer and the US Congress to allow artists to participate in the creation of AI regulations, stating that excluding them would be a significant oversight.
Another Perspective: The AI Open Letter from Elon Musk and Tech Experts
In March 2023, Elon Musk and other tech experts published an AI open letter titled “Pause Giant AI Experiments.” They appealed to AI firms to halt development for six months to facilitate the establishment of proper regulations. The letter begins with a quote from the Asilomar AI principles, highlighting the need for careful planning and management of advanced AI. The open letter asserts that this planning and management is currently lacking as contemporary AI systems are becoming increasingly competitive in various tasks. The letter raises thought-provoking questions, such as whether machines should flood information channels with propaganda, whether automation will eliminate all jobs (including fulfilling ones), whether developing nonhuman minds will eventually overpower and replace humans, and whether our civilization risks losing control. The letter also includes a statement from OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, which suggests the importance of independent review and limitations on the growth of compute used for training future systems. The letter concludes by calling on all AI labs to pause the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4 for at least six months. Over a thousand tech experts, including Steve Wozniak and Elon Musk, have signed this petition, although it is worth noting that Apple is now developing generative AI programs and Elon Musk himself has expressed interest in creating a generative AI chatbot named TruthGPT.
Conclusion
Generative AI artists have voiced their support for the use of artificial intelligence in creating media and have called on lawmakers to include artists in discussions on AI regulations. They believe that involving artists will ensure that AI legislation benefits creative industries while also managing potential risks. After considering both sides of the argument, it is up to individuals to decide whether generative AI can enhance art or pose a threat to human creativity. For further reading on this issue, you may visit the Creative Commons website. Stay updated on other digital trends at Inquirer Tech.
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