As you read over your syllabi last week, you probably noticed that most, if not all of them, included a section about the usage of artificial intelligence (AI). The recent emergence of ChatGPT and other similar AI tools has been cause for concerns about cheating in classrooms everywhere, and its ready accessibility through a quick Google search makes it almost too easy to cheat when a deadline is quickly approaching. 

            While it is a helpful tool for some of the more mundane parts of life, the full capabilities of AI is kind of a terrifying thought. Now, it can do more than just solve a math equation or step in as a virtual customer service representative; it can write essays and news articles, create photographs and artwork, and even drive your car. 

At first thought, this is a considerably amazing feat for something without a conscience; the fact that AI can create a realistic photo or piece of art is admittedly pretty cool. There are ethical implications behind this, of course, but that’s old news. What is arguably more concerning about these capabilities is the threat they pose to artists in all disciplines. 

Part of what makes art amazing is that it comes from a human. From paintings to novels to dances and so much more, there is something about the authenticity and vulnerability of artwork that requires us to stop and marvel at it. Artists spend hours upon hours of painstaking work to create the masterpieces at which we stop and stare in wonder, which is what makes it so special. It requires talent, dedication, and human emotion to create something that other people can appreciate and feel connected to. 

So, what happens to this authenticity when AI can pop out a piece of work that is just as realistic as an artist who spent years perfecting their craft? AI with no worldly experiences, no emotions or inspiration versus the human who spent years and years living, experimenting, failing and succeeding. It doesn’t seem like much of a competition, right? Obviously, we want authentic human artwork. If they look the exact same, though, is there a real difference? 

            If you are looking for something with a lot of meaning behind it, you are probably going to go with the human-made piece. If you are a corporation looking to save some money, however, the AI-made piece seems to be the better choice. Entry level positions for writers, graphic designers and so many positions requiring even a little creative talent will shrink because there will be no need to pay as many people to do what can be done by AI for free. Sure, commissions for giant murals might not face as much of a hit, but jobs for the more mundane tasks, such as writing witty captions for advertising or creating a simple logo, will surely suffer. 

            If we care about our artists, we will make an effort to make sure that they can continue to create. Without jobs, they cannot obtain the resources necessary to create for the sake of creating. And in a world without authentic, vulnerable artwork, we all suffer. 

            Perhaps this is how mathematicians felt when the calculator was invented. Clearly, things worked out for them, so maybe artists will be okay too. In a perfect world, like the calculator, AI can be used as a tool to make everyone’s job easier and more productive, helping you work faster without taking away the core work of the job. AI is only going to continue to develop, and our abilities to work with it without completely relying on it need to develop alongside it. 

            Until we can guarantee that AI will not take away from the incredibly important role (human) artists play in our society, though, we need to be conscious about the art we consume. Make an effort to support your artist friends, and when given the opportunity, call on them – not AI – to help you out when you need to get the creative juices flowing.