"Seems to have created a new form of manipulation where the one being manipulated is actually manipulating themselves."
Something I said over two years ago.
I've been using AI to replace search for a long time. There's skill involved. Good to question the answers. Fun messing with it. Good for simple research and time saving.
I used to use this thing — a lot. AI likes to throw those in where they should be, when asking it to fix grammar. Good writers get shit on nowadays for using it. "This is AI!"
"So here I am at a crossroads, looking at those people over there. Observing each one being seduced by a new set of tools, caving under peer pressure, then exchanging the freedom to be in control for a quick and easy fix. Then changing entirely, forgetting who they were, while others notice a certain element or a spark they once had is now missing. People sense it, feeling deprived of the creative energies once surrounding them; can't even trust what they see anymore."
Something else I wrote around the same time, years ago. That was about the arts. Wrote a post a year ago talking about how it'll be interfering with communication. That's happening a lot more now. Even the people not using it are growing paranoid. All while some using it excessively are, FUBAR.
Yes. But most people don't pay attention, nor are they very predictive past what they want to feel in the next moment, so they don't see it. You (and I) are a little different in that way.
Yes they do. UK politicians have started using US terms in their speeches, because their speech writers use AI. These people were good writers before (for the most part) and now, they are homogenizing into a single voice. But again, people don't pay attention.
The path is very predictable, but most don't see it because predictably, they each think they are smarter than getting caught. Much like all those smart people on social media who believe they aren't influenced by it. And those smart people who know they should limit their screen time, but don't. And those smart people who think they are creative, but create nothing. People are predictable.
"Standardized groupthink" was a term I used lightly while writing and commenting on this topic.
Early on I was saying this is what could happen. Now I'll say that's what is happening.
Now here's the kicker. The AI search has come a long way. Not perfect; better. I threw that term into search and asked who said it. I was given the name James Surowiecki. So I asked when and was told in 2004 when he published Wisdom of Crowds. So I asked why and was given some key details and a summary that I summarized simply as "garbage in garbage out" while talking about these things way back when.
First time I've heard of that guy and his book. So. "Great minds think alike" or "Standardized groupthink?"
Insert laughter here
And you bring up creativity. For me that's a triggering reminder of how much I miss it. How can I deny AI is causing turbulence in this world when I'm one who felt the nails being driven into the coffin.
Of maybe I should bring back that chaotic mess? My fancy and not-so subtle method of giving this generated world of rigid wannabe perfectionism the middle finger once more?
Nah...