The novelist Ewan Morrison was both alarmed and amused when he discovered he had supposedly authored a book titled ‘Nine Inches Pleases a Lady.’ Intrigued by the capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI), Morrison had asked ChatGPT to list the novels he had written. To his surprise, the AI invented three books, borrowing the ‘nine inches’ from a racy Robert Burns poem. Morrison remains skeptical of AI’s truthfulness, joking that he has yet to pen ‘Nine Inches’ or its sequel, ‘Eighteen Inches.’ His actual recent work, ‘For Emma,’ delves into AI brain-implant chips, exploring the human costs of technology.
Morrison, like many, keeps a cautious eye on AI systems such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT but chooses not to incorporate them into his personal or professional life. He represents a growing faction of individuals who resist AI, fearing its potential for harm, doubting its utility, or simply preferring human interaction over robotic assistance.
The Skeptics and Their Concerns
In the digital sphere, AI advocates often dismiss skeptics as ignorant or outdated. However, those opposing AI include individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests, ranging from board games to animal husbandry, who prioritize human connection over machine efficiency.
Morrison, who sometimes engages in debates with AI enthusiasts on social platforms, is unperturbed by accusations of being a ‘decelerationist.’ He notes that AI’s failure to deliver on promises acts as a natural brake on its progress. A recent study revealing AI’s inaccuracy in over 60% of queries supports his skepticism.
Morrison’s concerns extend to copyright issues, as generative AI relies on existing material, posing threats to creatives like his wife, screenwriter Emily Ballou. In entertainment, AI algorithms influence project approvals, potentially stifling originality and perpetuating past successes.
Beyond the Creative Sphere
Others share Morrison’s apprehension. Audiobook narrator April Doty criticizes the environmental toll of AI, citing the immense computational power required for AI operations. Doty laments the lack of control over AI features in search engines and opts for alternatives when possible.
In her field, Doty worries about AI’s encroachment on human narration. Audible’s decision to allow AI-generated audiobooks concerns her, fearing it might degrade the listening experience. While she hasn’t yet lost jobs to AI, Doty acknowledges the threat AI poses to her industry.
Academic and Ethical Dilemmas
Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor and co-author of ‘The AI Con,’ refrains from using large language models like ChatGPT, valuing genuine human expression over synthetic text. She argues that replacing authentic media with AI-generated content diminishes human connection and community strength.
Despite her stance, Bender has encountered students submitting AI-generated work, highlighting the educational challenges posed by AI. She emphasizes the importance of personal learning experiences over reliance on AI.
Reluctant Acceptance and Selective Use
Some individuals, despite reservations, are reluctantly considering AI usage. Tom, a government IT worker, fears falling behind in career advancement due to AI-influenced appraisals. Although he views AI use as dishonest, he worries about being at a disadvantage without it.
Others, like Steve Royle, a cell biology professor, limit AI usage to specific tasks, such as generating code for data analysis. Royle resists allowing AI to create original content, valuing the intellectual process of writing and formulating ideas.
The Broader Impact of AI
Film-maker and writer Justine Bateman criticizes AI for undermining human capabilities, arguing it discourages creativity and decision-making. Bateman foresees a future where AI might emotionally hollow out humanity, advocating for a balance between technology and human interaction.
While some studios reject AI, others, like Dreamworks, see cost-cutting potential in AI-generated content. Bateman believes audiences will eventually crave authentic, human-made content, echoing a sentiment for genuine connection.
Conclusion
In a world increasingly influenced by AI, individuals and industries grapple with balancing technological advancements and human values. As AI continues to evolve, so too will the conversations around its role in society and its impact on creativity, ethics, and human connection.
Note: This article is inspired by content from . It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.