"The Emotional Tail Wags the Rational Dog." – Jonathan Haidt
Part D, the concluding section of our exploration, focuses on the emotional and psychological underpinnings of resistance to AI in creative fields. It blends empathy with a call for adaptability, inviting readers to embrace the inevitable changes while remaining true to the core of human creativity.
Introduction: In Jonathan Haidt's words, "The Emotional Tail Wags the Rational Dog." This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of our journey into understanding the resistance to AI in creative fields. This chapter explores the emotional and psychological underpinnings of this resistance, offering a perspective that blends empathy with a call for adaptability.
Moral dumbfounding refers to the phenomenon where individuals have strong moral reactions but struggle to articulate logical reasons for them. In the context of AI in creativity, many feel that AI-generated art is fundamentally "wrong," yet they can't always explain why. This mirrors other situations where moral intuitions outpace rational explanations, highlighting a deeper, emotional resistance.
Jonathan Haidt's analogy from "The Happiness Hypothesis" and "The Righteous Mind" is illuminating. Here, the elephant represents our automatic, emotional responses, while the rider symbolizes our conscious, rational mind. When it comes to AI in creativity, the emotional elephant reacts strongly, often leaving the rational rider struggling to justify these feelings logically. Understanding this dynamic helps us see why resistance to AI feels so visceral and challenging to articulate.
Personally, I empathize deeply with those whose dreams or livelihoods are disrupted by AI. The human cost of technological advancement can be significant and painful. Just as the rise of automobiles sidelined the role of horses, or modern manufacturing reduced the need for traditional blacksmithing, AI challenges our notions of what it means to create. Yet, we must recognize that the universe does not owe us a living doing what we love. We must adapt.
Technological progress is inevitable. While it brings discomfort and disruption, it also offers new avenues for creativity and expression. The decline of blacksmithing, the shift in manufacturing, and other historical changes forced people to adapt. Similarly, AI is here to stay, and we must find ways to incorporate it into our creative practices without losing our essence.
It's crucial to embrace the reality of AI as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. AI tools like MidJourney and ChatGPT don't prevent traditional methods of creation. Painters can still paint, writers can still write by hand or typewriter. The advent of these technologies doesn't negate traditional artistry but rather expands the possibilities for those willing to explore them.
As we conclude this journey, let's balance our emotional reactions with rational thinking. Embrace change, stay adaptable, and find new ways to thrive in this evolving landscape. Technological progress is both a challenge and an opportunity. By keeping an open mind and a willingness to adapt, we can ensure that the creative spirit not only survives but flourishes.
Reflecting on our journey, it's clear that embracing AI in creative work is both inevitable and beneficial. While it brings challenges, it also opens up new opportunities for innovation and expression. Let us embrace change, stay adaptable, and find new ways to thrive in the age of AI. The future of creativity is bright, provided we remain open to the possibilities it brings.
With the advent of Bitcoin and platforms like Nostr, the landscape for supporting artists is evolving. We need to shift our perspective: supporting artists isn't just about purchasing their art, but also appreciating their existence and creative process. This could involve live streaming the creation process, which not only proves human involvement but also serves as engaging content that people can subscribe to. AI can't do everything, and this niche—showing the human touch in real-time—can differentiate artists from AI-generated content.
As a freelance artist, my clients don't care how the image is made as long as it meets their specifications. Transparency about the tools used is key. I'm comfortable saying I created or found the image, even if I didn't draw it by hand. The creative process is evolving, and so must our understanding and support for it.
As we close this exploration of creativity and AI, remember that embracing new tools doesn't diminish the value of traditional methods. It enriches them, providing new opportunities for growth and expression. Let's move forward with an open mind, ready to adapt and thrive in this new era of creativity.