The Infancy of AI
As I write in 2024, the field of AI is still young. Well, young-ish. But in 5, 10, and 20 years, we will look back on this time as the infancy of AI. Of course, AI has been developing for decades, gradually transitioning from academic projects to products that have made the public aware of it, such as computer games. However, it has only been since around 2022 that the general public has had direct contact with AI. Even today, the use of generative AI remains largely confined to tech enthusiasts.
Accessibility of Generative AI
Generative AI is now very accessible. ChatGPT requires little more than logging in and starting a conversation. Midjourney has evolved from being housed in Discord (which isn’t very user-friendly for the average person) to a sleek website interface. Music-generating services such as Udio and Suno are similarly easy to use via well-designed website interfaces. Yet, despite this accessibility, the average person who primarily uses computers for social media, email, and work has not ventured into AI services.
Fear of AI and Media Influence
If the average web user were making use of generative AI, would they be as afraid of it as they seem to be? Probably not. The main issue lies with the media, which often emphasizes the potential dangers of AI without equally embracing its benefits.
Creative Community Resistance
There is significant resistance to AI from those who create art for a living or as a hobby. I have witnessed art groups fracturing over the topic of AI. It must be frustrating for artists to spend hours on a piece only to find that an AI can produce something visually appealing in seconds. While AI lacks the artistic expression that a human can provide, it often creates images that surpass what most people are capable of. For many—myself included—AI-generated art can be wonderful and preferable to much of human-made art.
Cost-Effectiveness of AI-Generated Images
Apart from the visual appeal of AI-generated art, there is also the cost-of-use to consider. When writing blogs or media articles, including images is often essential. Personally, I like to sprinkle my articles with images to make them more engaging. Before AI, this required licensing stock images or using my own photography—limited to subjects like trees, dogs, and horses due to my surroundings.
Stock photography was—and still is—expensive. Free stock photography sites exist, but their images often lack the quality and vibrancy of paid sites. Paying between £5 and £50 per image is not feasible for most writers. Now, with generative AI capable of creating vast numbers of images for little to no cost, I can enhance my articles more affordably. Stock photo sites, having priced themselves out of reach, now face a significant challenge.
The Limitations of AI Imagery
There are exceptions to the value of AI imagery. For example, I run a travel blog called EscapeAway, and finding images of specific travel destinations can be challenging. While AI can generate a generic beach scene, it struggles with realistic depictions of particular locations like Amalfi. In such cases, using stock photography or personal photos is still necessary to maintain authenticity for readers.
The Rapid Pace of AI Development
I make it a habit to watch YouTube videos daily to stay updated on emerging AI tools. Since late 2022, there has not been a single week without an interesting development. The pace of change is relentless, and even as a tech professional, it is difficult to keep up. For the average computer user, it’s nearly impossible. The field is advancing too quickly, and much of what the public hears is media hyperbole about AI’s potential dangers.
The Ethical Perspective
I do share some concerns with the media. Personally, I believe we are living in challenging times and, yes, potentially “End Times.” However, I don’t believe AI will be the cause. It’s more an entity subject to the conditions of our world, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
There are brilliant minds and immense wealth invested in AI’s development. Not all involved are solely profit-driven; many are motivated by a desire to make a significant impact, save humanity, or contribute to a historic technological shift comparable to the invention of the wheel or the Industrial Revolution.
Legacy and Ambition
I have observed that there comes a point in a person’s life when they become keenly interested in their legacy. This shift used to occur in middle age but now seems to start much earlier. In a world with billions of people, many want to make their mark. For some, that legacy is tied to their work in AI.
My View on AI
In my opinion, AI is simply a tool—or, more accurately, a rapidly growing suite of tools. These tools are just advanced computer programs that, with time, should become less frustrating than past software. Hopefully, we will move from the dreaded “Computer says No” to an era where AI can paint, write songs, and even anticipate our preferences, such as serving breakfast with just the right fruit. More importantly, AI could prove useful in areas like early disease detection and problem-solving.
My Experience and Focus
For the past 25 years, I have built business database systems across various industries, providing software that connects users with data. While I believe we will continue to need such systems for years, I also see a growing role for AI. My current focus is on exploring how AI can be integrated into business systems, especially as a powerful data mining tool that can identify patterns humans might overlook.
Ethics in Technology
I have long believed that technology can be used for good, evil, or neutral purposes. My goal has always been to contribute to projects that fall into the “good” or, at worst, neutral categories. Like the billionaire legacy builders, I prefer my work to contribute positively to the world. While I have occasionally taken neutral projects to make ends meet, I draw the line at ethically negative projects. I once turned down an exciting opportunity because it was funded by a farming project involving animal harm. Similarly, I avoid defense work as I don’t want my work contributing to harm.
A Final Thought
This ethical stance has cost me job opportunities over the years, but it has allowed me to maintain my integrity. I am prepared for my Life Review, on a professional level, and can say that I have aimed to do good while avoiding harm.
In conclusion, I view AI as another computer tool with the potential for good, bad, or neutral use. I intend to use it responsibly and ethically – and I look forward to having fun with it along the way!
