In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI), the lines between human artistry and machine-generated content are becoming increasingly blurred. What we as a society value as “art” and “creativity” may see profound shifts as AI becomes more prevalent. This transformation is raising critical questions about its impact on human interactions and psychological well-being, particularly as AI begins to shape human-centric industries.
Companies like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Boston Dynamics are leading the charge in developing AI technologies that are reshaping the creative landscape. OpenAI, for example, has developed GPT-4, a transformer-based model with multi-modal capabilities that excels in generating coherent text, synthesising realistic images through DALL-E, and even composing music using MuseNet, showcasing the intersection of AI and creative processes. Google DeepMind has also developed technology such as WaveNet, which generates natural sounding speech, along with AI-driven music composition, demonstrating its ability to blend human and machine creativity.
The rise of AI technology panic
While these technologies can deliver huge benefits for those who can harness them effectively, recent research has shed light on a phenomenon referred to as “AI technology panic" -- where concerns arise that overreliance on AI-driven technologies, particularly those utilising deep learning and automated decision-making systems, could diminish emotional engagement and reduce human connection in increasingly algorithm-mediated interactions.
In creative industries, the rise of AI could displace highly skilled workers, or force them to adapt to new roles. By 2025, it is estimated that while 85 million jobs may disappear due to the continued adoption of AI, 97 million new ones will be created, resulting in a net gain of 12 million jobs. However, the nature of these jobs and the required skillsets—ranging from expertise in machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch to proficiency in data science methodologies—will necessitate a significant shift in workforce training and education to prepare for the future AI-driven economy.
Tackling these concerns will be a key focus area for delegates from around the world attending the third Global AI Summit (GAIN) held in Riyadh, where they will come together to explore how to preserve the unique qualities that define the human experience.
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A global way forward
Companies pioneering the way for AI, such as Microsoft, have laid out specific ethical principles to guide the development and use of AI. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has explored the ethical implications of AI in arts and culture, advocating for the development of AI governance frameworks that leverage techniques such as digital watermarking, blockchain for intellectual property protection, and automated plagiarism detection algorithms to differentiate between piracy and authentic creativity. The guidelines highlight the importance of recognsing the value of human creative work and ensure that AI is developed in a way that respects intellectual property rights.
National governments also play a crucial role. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasises strategic investments in human capital, particularly within creative industries, to adapt to AI technologies by integrating advanced AI solutions. This strategy aims to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity. Vision 2030 underscores the importance of keeping the human experience at the core of Saudi Arabia’s AI transformation, ensuring that AI enriches rather than diminishes the country’s cultural heritage in a digital world. Approaches like these are essential as they demonstrate how AI can support human-centred growth while strengthening cultural and economic landscapes and preserving cultural diversity in an increasingly digital world.
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The solution to ensuring an ethical and humanised future lies in our ability to preserve the essence of what makes us uniquely human in the face of rapid technological change. It is imperative for stakeholders across global governments, the tech industry, and the creative sectors to collaborate on developing AI-driven solutions that incorporate human-in-the-loop (HITL) frameworks, ethical AI practices, and advanced AI models, ensuring technology progresses without compromising the intrinsic value of human creativity.
Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi is the president of the Saudi Data & AI Authority
