Generative AI for expression: Everyone gets to be a creative

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• September 6, 2023

Insight Summary

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the definition of creativity, enabling users to make musical renditions, digital art, and videos, often attracting millions of views on social media platforms. The technology is not only democratizing creativity, but also showing potential to transform industries like education, advertising, and entertainment. However, the broad adoption of this technology also comes with potential challenges, including job displacement, misuse for political propaganda, and ethical issues around intellectual property rights.

Generative AI for expression context

From creating avatars to images to music, generative AI is handing over unprecedented capabilities for self-expression. An example is a TikTok trend that involves famous musicians seemingly performing covers of other artists' songs. The unlikely pairings include Drake lending his voice to the tunes of singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, Michael Jackson performing a cover of a song by The Weeknd, and Pop Smoke rendering his version of Ice Spice's "In Ha Mood." 

However, these artists have not actually performed these covers. In reality, these musical renditions are the products of advanced AI tools. The videos featuring these AI-generated covers have accumulated tens of millions of views, highlighting their immense popularity and widespread acceptance.

Companies are capitalizing on this democratization of creativity. Lensa, initially established as a platform for photo editing, launched a feature called "Magic Avatars." This feature enables users to create digital self-portraits, transforming profile pictures into pop culture icons, fairy princesses, or anime characters. Tools like Midjourney allow anyone to create original digital art in any genre or style using a text prompt.

Meanwhile, content creators on YouTube are unleashing a whole new level of pop culture memes. Generative AI is being used to mesh the Harry Potter characters with luxury brands like Balenciaga and Chanel. Iconic movie franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars are given a Wes Anderson trailer. A whole new playground has opened up for creatives and, with it, potential ethical issues around intellectual property rights and deepfake misuse.

Disruptive impact

One area where this trend could yield a substantial impact is personalized education. Students, particularly in creative disciplines such as music, visual arts, or creative writing, could use AI tools to experiment, innovate, and learn at their own pace. For instance, an AI tool could allow budding musicians to compose music, even if they lack knowledge of music theory.

Meanwhile, advertising agencies could utilize generative AI to create innovative advertising materials tailored to specific audiences, enhancing the effectiveness of their campaigns. In the entertainment industry, movie studios and game developers could use AI tools to create diverse characters, scenes, and plotlines, accelerating production and potentially reducing costs. Additionally, in sectors where design is critical, such as fashion or architecture, AI could help generate many designs based on specified parameters, expanding creative possibilities.

From a government perspective, there are opportunities to harness generative AI in public outreach and communication efforts. Government agencies could create visually engaging and culturally relevant content that resonates with diverse demographic groups, fostering inclusivity and improving civic engagement. On a broader level, policymakers could facilitate these AI tools' development and ethical use, promoting a flourishing creative economy while ensuring that AI is used responsibly. For example, they could establish guidelines for AI-generated content to prevent misinformation and protect intellectual property rights. 

Implications of generative AI for expression

Wider implications of generative AI for expression may include: 

• Job creation in the tech sector as demand for skilled AI practitioners and related roles increases. However, traditional creative jobs like writing or graphic design may be heavily displaced.
• The elderly and people with disabilities gaining greater access to creative activities through AI, enhancing their quality of life and fostering social inclusion.
• Public health organizations using AI to generate awareness campaigns tailored to different demographics, enhancing public health outcomes.
• More startups designing creative AI tools, enabling more people to join the creator economy.
• Increased isolation and unrealistic expectations due to increased interaction with AI-generated content, affecting individual and societal well-being.
• Politically motivated actors misusing AI to generate propaganda, potentially leading to social polarization and affecting democratic processes.
• Environmental implications if the energy consumption of AI technologies contributes to increased carbon emissions.
• Increased lawsuits against AI developers by musicians, artists, and other creatives sparking a regulatory overhaul of copyright rules.

Questions to consider

• If you’re a content creator, how are you using generative AI tools?
• How might governments balance creativity and intellectual property?