AI is such a hotly contested issue right now that it’s almost impossible to open social media or read the news without being bombarded with hot takes about the salvation or damnation ahead.
There are compelling arguments on both sides, but data is scant: we simply cannot know what’s yet to come.
The early phase of any significant technological shift is typified by these polarising perspectives.
From Plato’s hatred of writing to the Luddites’ loathing of the impact on the workers from innovations in factory machinery, change creates dissent and resistance.
The attitude that ‘new’ is synonymous with ’threat’ means we can miss out on the benefits (and risk being left behind).
But embracing new tech without careful consideration of the potential dangers is foolhardy. Looking at you, social media-fuelled global mental health crisis!)
Without a commitment to examination, discussion and curiosity, how can we figure out how to make the best use of generative AI, what guardrails or protections we might need; what to watch out for and what to invite over the threshold?
That’s the overarching intention for humAIn: to understand nuance, to be curious and open to many perspectives as we scope the opportunities and the stumbling blocks.
The stakes are high: if we get this wrong, jobs, privacy, security, bias and freedom of information hang in the balance.
If we get it right…boundless creativity, connections and benefits for all of society could be on the cards.
The first session to be announced at our AI event humAIn: human creativity x AI is intended to do just that. We’re tabling a debate, focusing on an issue that’s particularly relevant to the creative industries; the world of media and marketing:
The Great DebAIte:
“Generative AI is not a threat to media and marketing jobs, but a much-needed tool to expand what’s possible at speed and low cost.”
We need you.
We’re looking for opinionated and persuasive people with some skin in the game to argue in the affirmative and a team to take the opposing position.
At the close, we’ll invite the audience to decide. (I’m no futurist, but I reckon the truth will be somewhere in the middle).
So if this sounds like you, send a brief precis of your POV to Cat McGinn and let’s have a heated debate!
I’ll leave you with this thought from advertising provocateur Tom Goodwin:
“Don’t automate art. Automate invoices.”
