A recent commentary in the Irish Examiner highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for creative professions, particularly writing. The author, clearly sceptical about the integration of AI in creative fields, expresses concerns about the unmediated proliferation of AI-generated content and the impact this technology may have on both the quality and integrity of writing.

The writer begins by describing a personal aversion to AI, likening their feelings to those of a Luddite. They express frustration at the omnipresence of AI, noting that even comprehensive software packages, such as Microsoft Office, are now integrated with AI features that are difficult to disable. “It’s like a fly that dive-bombs you and won’t go away,” they lament. This suggests a growing discomfort with the encroachment of AI in everyday tasks, particularly those related to writing.

While acknowledging that there are advantages to AI—such as its ability to assist with brainstorming and compiling bibliographies—the author also warns against the potential for increased intellectual laziness. They draw a parallel to physical health, arguing that just as societal shifts towards more sedentary lifestyles have negatively affected health, an over-reliance on AI could similarly diminish cognitive abilities. They pose the fundamental question of how humanity can responsibly harness technology, weighing the benefits against what might be lost.

The commentary also touches on the economic realities faced by many writers today. The author points out that while some individuals may find success in the literary world, the majority struggle to make a living. They articulate a strong sentiment against the exploitation of writers’ work by tech companies, asserting that training AI models on copyrighted materials without consent constitutes theft. “It’s scraping unpaid for, unacknowledged, copyrighted work,” they contend, advocating for legal measures to protect creators from such practices.

The writer reflects on the ongoing class action lawsuits filed against OpenAI, the organisation behind the widely used ChatGPT, by notable authors seeking accountability for what they perceive as the unfair use of their intellectual property. Drawing upon their own background in law, the author expresses a desire to litigate these cases, highlighting their investment in the matter.

In closing, there is a note of resigned discontent regarding the technological landscape and its intersection with capitalism. The author alludes to the “dirty capitalist monopolist underbelly” of AI, critiquing the ethics associated with its development and deployment. Their commentary encapsulates a broader anxiety about the future of creativity in an increasingly digitised society, suggesting that as AI continues to evolve, creative professions may face unprecedented challenges.

Source: Noah Wire Services