AI is fundamentally changing the way we experience and engage with the world around us. From automated service robots and AI-supported analytics to the emergence of generative AI, it is clear that technology has begun to shape, and will continue to shape, the manner in which all of us interact. Generative AI’s recent foray into the realm of visuals is no exception, with its capacity to generate true-to-life images, videos, GIFs, and more. As such, the Magic and Minstrelsy of Generative AI offers a timely insight into this looming phenomenon.
The article discusses how, as generative AI continues to evolve, those within the virtual world will be faced with ever-increasing concerns related to the control of their personal images. As the ability to create and manipulate visuals becomes more seamless and widespread, it can be argued that the fallout from this new technology could be “more far-reaching and harmful” than what we have seen in the past. From the dangers of social media catfishing and the darker aspects of ownership over digital identities, to the ways in which existing racial ideologies could be perpetuated, Generative AI has the potential to become a tool in the hands of those wishing to do harm, albeit on a digital scale.
As with anything that involves technology, it is important to approach this topic with a critical eye. Bill Gates, who famously declared Generative AI as the “most important advance in technology since the graphical user interface,” and Alondra Nelson who wrote “Future Text,” offer two important views of what this technology could mean for our futures. While the sentiment of wonder, progress, and creativity are key themes throughout the article, a note of caution is also maintained.
When exploring the Magic and Minstrelsy of Generative AI, it is clear that much more conversation is needed in order to underpin the morality and ethics of such a powerful technology. While usage of generative AI is sure to lead to a “renaissance” of creative potential, it is equally important to consider the consequences of such technology and how to best ensure that it is used for the development and betterment of society, rather than to propagate inequality and segregation.
ChatGPT and Midjourney are two tools of generative AI mentioned in the article which have the capacity to not only replicate what makes us human, but to allow us to better express ourselves in social media. At the same time, these technologies also bring with them a certain amount of responsibility, as users are still required to adhere to the digital ethics they have come to take for granted.
Finally, it is important to note the person mentioned in this article: Alondra Nelson. Alondra Nelson is an American author and academic, who is renowned for her scholarly work which has focused on the intersections between race, technology, and society. She is the author of the 2002 book “Future Texts,” which discussed some of the potential pitfalls of AI and generative technologies. Alondra’s books and academic works have had a profound impact on the subject of technology and the ways in which it is experienced, and her take on generative AI stands out as an important case study that needs to be addressed.
