Going forward, I realy don’t think I will be using AI very much outside of the non-generative AI found within other programs used for art creation. From what I have gathered in this class, there are multiple types of AI, not all of which are generative or LLMs. I think that these kinds of AI are acceptable for use and can be used ethically and without becoming reliant on it. When it comes to generative AI or LLMs, I feel as though it is something of an addiction. The average Joe is simply not going to divulge their AI usage as they know they will either be debated or have to back up their ideas with facts and they simply cannot do so when having written their ideas with AI. As soon as someone learns that they can “cheat” by relying on AI, it becomes an easy out. You may think you’re using it intelligently, but the same has been said of recreational drugs. Soon that “rarely used” becomes “often”, then “frequent”, then “daily”. Using AI on your own time for your own projects, such as roleplaying or to outline basic points for a summary that you yourself will write later is one thing. Using it in a group and pretending that you have done the work yourself is another. There is no unique spin on it. You do not use your authentic voice when a language generation machine has written it for you. Sure, the smart ones may know to change a few words here and there, but it isn’t fair to feign understanding when you don’t know anything.

Certain types of AI are fine – good, even! – such as those made to detect cancers, find the quickest route between locations, or to help people who are non-English speakers to automatically translate their text when necessary. Using it in creative pursuits, especially when it takes the place of using one’s brain for creativity? I don’t find it necessary in the slightest, and in fact, I believe that it hinders creativity by setting a person on a middle road instead of allowing them to experience the highs and lows of the process. I am a firm believer that art is for people who think or who want to express themselves. If you want to learn how to draw, pick up a pencil and learn. If you want to learn how to write, then open up a notebook or Google docs and start. Failure is the basis of understanding. But if you have a machine that will do the “failing” for you, then you will never truly learn.