The world is changing. The advent of technology has converted the way we live our lives. Information is everywhere and it is becoming harder and harder to determine what is real and what is fake. Artificial intelligence (or A.I.) is making it that much more challenging. But is there a way to harness this tool for good?
Generative A.I. as a Tool in Adobe
Adobe makes what creatives do every day possible. From the photography to the mockups to the software itself, Adobe is a company by creatives, for creatives. And A.I. has revolutionized this field. Perhaps one of the most useful features within this software is generative fill in Photoshop. What used to take hours to expand a landscape, extend a headshot, or remove unwanted distractions, now takes seconds. It is smart, it is efficient, and it saves time and stress. What’s not to like?
A.I. in Photography
This is a little trickier. A.I. is being used to generate imagery constantly. Whether it is modifying an existing photo or generating a new one entirely, it has become disturbingly easy to distort reality. They say a picture is worth a thousand words because visuals are impactful. This can be as trivial as creating a movie poster for a sequel that doesn’t exist or it can be used to spread fake rumors about celebrities and politicians. At the end of the day, it is up to a discerning eye and an intelligent mind to determine what is real and what isn’t.
A.I. at the Expense of Creativity
Many creatives argue that A.I. is a cheap version of what they have painstakingly taken years to learn. It copies from hardworking artists and diminishes their work. It is inaccurate and faulty but many worry it will eventually put them out of a job. The need for products fast and cheap is only going to increase as time goes on and many worry that the value of genuine human creativity will be sacrificed.
Creative Integrity
I personally believe that A.I., as a tool, is incredibly valuable. It allows me to focus on the big picture without getting caught up in the minute details. It saves me time, allows me to think outside the box, and opens up a world of possibility. I personally have found it useful in my work. That being said, it is a tool. And tools in the wrong hands can be dangerous. It is up to us creatives to use it with integrity.