Informative Speech - Rowan Burke - The Dangers of AI Technology for Artists

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Introduction

In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in AI technology that produces remarkable filters and applications on platforms such as TikTok. These filters enable users to alter photos, analyze facial features, or generate artwork based on simple prompts. While this technology offers an exciting and efficient alternative to traditional art creation, it is crucial to consider the darker implications associated with its use.

As an artist myself, I feel a deep personal connection to this topic. As a dancer, designer, visual, and digital artist, I have spent a lifetime fostering my identity through creativity. However, my experiences with AI development have revealed the detrimental effects it has on the arts community. The progress of AI has resulted in the displacement of numerous artists, accelerating unemployment and financial insecurity.

Moreover, AI infringes upon the rights of artists and challenges the concepts of copyright and intellectual property. The lack of established rules and regulations surrounding AI-generated art exacerbates these issues. As such, the essence of art, which has historically driven human evolution, is at risk.

Art represents more than just color on a canvas; it embodies the creativity and passion that push humanity forward. With heightened reliance on AI, we risk losing the history and integrity that define artistic expression. This is especially concerning for those of us who rely on our creativity for our livelihoods. Finding opportunities in a competitive field is already challenging; the rise of AI technology further restricts job availability and increases competition within arts professions.

For instance, digital artists who once thrived by creating advertisements and promotional materials now face a dilemma. Businesses turn to AI for quick and cost-effective solutions, placing traditional artists at a disadvantage. The use of AI to manipulate existing artworks presents another setback, challenging artists' rights over their intellectual contributions. When someone alters an artist’s work using an AI tool to create something deemed "new," the original creator may find themselves stripped of financial reward and recognition.

This trend spreads beyond visual arts, directly impacting musicians as well. Prominent artists, including Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and the estate of Frank Sinatra, have urged technology companies to halt the development of AI tools that undermine artistic integrity. They advocate for self-preservation and protection of the artistry built from human creativity.

Furthermore, the implications of AI extend beyond artists; they affect the very fabric of our society. Throughout history, revolutions and cultural advancements have been driven by art, serving as a means of communication and cultural transmission. As we face the prospect of AI-generated expressions, such uniqueness risks being diluted through automation's impersonality.

While AI's advancement may be exciting, the potential for it to replace the inherent value of human creation is alarming. The intricate craft of dance, for example, cannot be replicated by machines, as it embodies years of training, talent, and personal expression. If AI progresses to a point where it can replicate dance, it would strip the art form of its meaning and significance.

Each structure that comprises our world—be it a building, a product, or a community space—stands as a testament to human creativity and craftsmanship. Machines cannot replace the vision and ingenuity that humans bring to the realm of art. Utilizing AI may seem practical, but its pervasive effect on artistic labor brings substantial threats to both individual careers and artistry as a whole.

In conclusion, the rise of AI technologies poses critical challenges for artists and society as a whole. The importance of preserving and nurturing authentic, human-driven creativity cannot be understated. As creators, we must be aware of the implications of AI use and strive to uphold the significance of the artistic legacy we pass down through generations.

Keyword

  • AI Technology
  • Artists
  • Copyright Infringement
  • Intellectual Property
  • Employment
  • Digital Art
  • Creativity
  • Cultural Evolution

FAQ

Q: How is AI technology harming artists?
A: AI technology displaces artists by taking over jobs traditionally filled by human creatives, leading to increased unemployment and competition in the arts field.

Q: What are the implications for copyright and intellectual property?
A: The rise of AI-generated art blurs the lines of copyright and rights to intellectual property, as artists may find their work altered and used without permission or compensation.

Q: Why is the value of traditional art important?
A: Traditional art embodies human passion, creativity, and culture. Losing this personal touch threatens cultural evolution and the integrity of artistic expression.

Q: How are musicians affected by AI technology?
A: Musicians face similar challenges as visual artists, with AI tools being used to replicate their voices and create music, undermining their rights and control over their own work.

Q: What message do artists want to convey regarding AI intervention?
A: Many artists advocate for regulations to protect their work and maintain the integrity of art created by humans, urging technology companies to consider the impact on creative fields.