In the age of artificial intelligence, we encounter creators and content makers who are deeply optimistic about its potential. Their enthusiasm is understandable; their livelihoods often depend on the increasing use and acceptance of AI. Many of these creators actively encourage others to embrace AI, presenting it as a tool that can revolutionize industries and transform workflows.
Recently, I watched a video where an AI advocate made a point that struck a chord with me. They said, "Customers don't care how the software is made." Their argument was straightforward: whether you write the code manually or use AI assistance, customers only care about the product's functionality. This mindset might work for software, but its implications for creative fields deserve deeper exploration.
Creativity is Personal
Unlike software, creative endeavors don’t operate solely on utility. Creative works depend on interpersonal relationships between the creator and the audience. For instance, if I write a story and share it with you, the relationship we form is based on my honesty about the work's origins. If I claim it’s entirely my creation but secretly relied on AI, you might feel deceived. Transparency here becomes critical.
Honesty in creativity is about acknowledging the tools and processes used. If I incorporate AI into my writing, I owe it to my audience to share that fact. Concealing it risks undermining the trust that defines the relationship between creators and their audience.
Art is More Than a Commodity
The internet is full of voices insisting that creative works are merely commodities. A book, for example, can be seen as a product—written, packaged, and sold. But art transcends commodification. The act of creation, the labor behind it, and the authenticity it carries all add dimensions that cannot be reduced to market value.
This distinction becomes apparent when controversies arise about artists and their personal lives. Readers often stop supporting a writer whose ethics they find questionable. This reaction demonstrates that art, for many, is not separate from the artist. It is not merely about consuming a product; it is about connecting with the creator's values and vision.
The Role of AI in Art
AI's growing influence in creative fields brings us to a crossroads. Several scenarios could unfold:
Over-Saturation: AI-generated content becomes ubiquitous, losing its novelty and value. We might adjust to this as the new normal, just as we have with Photoshop-edited images.
Exclusivity: The high cost of AI tools limits their use to a few creators, making AI-generated content a niche rather than the norm.
Integration: Human creators and AI collaborate in honest, balanced ways, leading to new forms of creativity that audiences learn to appreciate.
Over time, we may view AI-assisted creations as distinct yet legitimate categories, akin to photography or digital art. History has shown us that new mediums often face skepticism before gaining acceptance. Digital art faced similar controversies but is now widely acknowledged as a legitimate form of expression. AI art may follow a similar trajectory.
The Need for New Definitions
As AI reshapes creative processes, we may need new terms to define the roles of those using these tools. This linguistic gap often fuels the tensions we see online. Are these individuals artists, writers, or something else entirely? Until we find answers, the best path forward is honesty.
Honesty as the Foundation
Creativity thrives on authenticity and trust. If you’re an artist experimenting with AI tools, be upfront with your audience. Acknowledge where and how you’ve used AI, and don’t claim sole credit for work that isn’t entirely yours. This openness not only preserves the integrity of your relationship with your audience but also enriches the evolving conversation about creativity in the AI age.
Disclaimer: This essay is based on a podcast episode originally recorded in Hindi. The content was translated and edited with the assistance of AI tools. While efforts have been made to preserve the original meaning and tone, some nuances may have been adapted during the editing process. This disclaimer was also written by AI. The previous sentence, as well as this sentence, were written by a human.
