Is it feasible to originate artwork from the ground up? Can the creative process be streamlined by simplifying a previously elusive concept into a binary solution? Is it possible to boost profits in the creative industry without compromising our ethical responsibility to support and inspire individuals who pursue their passions in fields where technology is advancing?
Exploring these inquiries, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, which has recently dominated discussions across various media platforms, is a worthwhile endeavor.
During a labor dispute involving the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the negotiating body for major Hollywood studios, and prominent organizations like the Writers Guild of America (WGA), Screen Actors Guild, and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), members of these groups went on strike during the summer, protesting on picket lines. One of the contentious issues under debate between WGA and SAG-AFTRA was the role of artificial intelligence in the realm of authorship and on-screen representation.
Subsequently, the Authors Guild filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, a popular consumer-oriented chat application, in a district court in September, making headlines.
As the oldest and most extensive professional association for writers in the country, the Authors Guild advocates for fair compensation for its members’ creative endeavors. The union lodged a complaint involving over 15,000 individuals, alleging that OpenAI blatantly infringes on trademark laws by utilizing works from esteemed authors such as John Grisham, George R. Martin, Jodi Picoult, and numerous others to train databases for generating high-quality responses to inquiries and prompts.
Acknowledging that the quality of the output is directly linked to the caliber of the source material, OpenAI has recognized this practice, labeling it as a trademark issue.
Despite the fact that most union members do not command earnings at the level of Grisham, the median annual income for a full-time author is roughly $20,000, with half of that revenue stemming from book sales, as per a study conducted by the Authors Guild. The remaining portion of their income is derived from content creation, an industry that OpenAI is progressively influencing.
An unidentified member reported a 75% reduction in advertising and website content projects upon transitioning to AI. According to projections by Goldman Sachs, artificial intelligence could potentially impact up to 300 million full-time positions in the near future, representing a quarter of the labor force in this sector.
Beyond legal implications, the integration of AI in creative endeavors is beginning to have social ramifications. Should we prioritize financial gains over artistic skill?
For believers, it is imperative to ponder the following: What rights do artists receive from God, and how might the shift towards AI undermine the concept of art as a divine gift intended to enrich the world and honor God?
This discourse transcends mere commercial considerations or the mere acknowledgment of contributions. The fundamental query lies not in the quantifiable value of craftsmanship, but in our appreciation of the creators themselves.
The dignity of labor and the rights of workers are fundamental tenets of Catholic social teaching. Work is viewed as a means of participating in God’s act of creation, as articulated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The opening verses of Genesis in the Bible portray God as the ultimate Creator, with humans fashioned in His image and likeness. Many individuals who dedicate their lives to artistic pursuits, whether in writing, visual arts, music, or performance, perceive their creations as inspired by divine intervention. Some may assert that their artistic endeavors are more than just a profession but a calling, a vocation, or a means of expressing their true selves.
In his encyclical Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis emphasized that businesses should not resort to harmful practices, such as seeking higher profits by reducing labor intensity and consequently contributing to increased rates of exclusion.
In his “Letter to Artists,” Pope John Paul II referenced the divine inspiration that has permeated artistic endeavors throughout history, underscoring the vital role of artists as conduits for this creative spirit. By prioritizing artificial intelligence over human creators, are we stifling creativity that is inherently linked to divine inspiration, as perceived by Catholics?
While some designers utilize AI as a foundational tool in their creative process, allowing artificial intelligence a designated role, human experience and sensibility must serve as the guiding force through which ideas flow in artistic endeavors. Without this human touch, art risks becoming merely a mechanized output devoid of essence or authenticity.
Relying excessively on artificial intelligence, rather than investing in individuals with rich life experiences, poses a threat of prioritizing financial gains over the respect and fair compensation of those who view their creative work as a sacred vocation.
The key to embracing emerging technologies while preserving traditional skills may lie in recognizing that true artistic expression is intertwined with the lived experiences of talented individuals. While AI can aid in ideation and broaden perspectives, there is no substitute for the ineffable spark of divine inspiration.
