Authenticity and AI by Marian Morrison

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As many creatives and aspiring writers, I do a lot of research as I work on any of my creative pursuits. While I’ve gotten frustrated or hit a wall many times along the way, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has hit blocks when it comes to the writing process. 

Now with the developments of AI, some people have begun to use it to help with their writing, character development, artwork, and even as an editing tool for their work. Every application and website now has an AI tool in it and as this technology continues to invade creative spaces, I find myself wondering about the ethics and social implications that come along with it. 

One of the biggest issues with AI is the amount of energy it uses as well as contributing to the depletion of our natural resources. The AI data centers have a high water consumption that is used for cooling the servers. Not to mention the fact that AI can be a contributing factor to high energy bills in residential areas surrounding these data centers. 

Focusing more on the ethics, all of the data and resources AI provides come from a cultivation of things online. When using AI, we have no way to tell where the information is actually being pulled from. AI has been known for stealing work from writers and artists without proper citing or credit. 

As writers and creatives, many of us struggle to be properly compensated and credited. Self-publishing has made it easier but it’s still difficult to break into the industry as a successful author. I can’t help but empathize with those who have had their work stolen by AI. 

There could be a debate made about the level of authenticity a work has when AI is used. It takes a certain level of artistry out of the work from the lack of human emotion and experience behind it. Furthermore, using AI for your work prevents you from being able to copyright your work. 

I’ve known some people who have used AI for editing purposes as well, and while I don’t think there's a major ethical violation I worry that entering their work into an AI database allows AI access to steal their work or pieces and offer it to other people as well. AI is still a new technology that is developing faster than regulations we can establish for it. 

As a college student who is watching AI take over creative spaces and jobs I find myself worrying what will become artistry in the future. I’ve always loved art, reading and music because of its authenticity and insight into the human experience. You see glimpses of new worlds, lives, and perspectives that you may have never even considered before. I know sometimes it can be tempting to take an easier route when working through a difficult creative process, but the pride that comes after finishing a project you know is 100% authentically your own is something unlike any other.