Chapter 1: From Doubt to Acceptance

In the past, I held a strong bias against AI. However, I've come to recognize its value in my daily life. Artificial intelligence, a concept that once felt like pure science fiction—where machines gained consciousness and dominated humanity—now feels like a reality. With tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E becoming publicly available and user-friendly, it's evident that we're stepping into a futuristic era.

Today, people from various backgrounds—experts, novices, and everyone in between—are pondering the fundamental question: Is AI beneficial or detrimental, and what will its influence be on our future? I believe there’s a nuanced answer.

Life is rarely black and white; similarly, AI can embody both good and bad qualities. Its impact hinges on how we choose to utilize it. The intention behind its deployment and the effects it generates will significantly shape our future.

The Initial Fear of Technology

When ChatGPT was first made available, I was adamantly opposed to it. As a writer, I viewed it as a threat—not just as competition, but as a direct affront to the years I dedicated to honing my craft, overcoming writer's block, and enjoying the fulfillment of creating original works. I envisioned a future where computers would churn out novels, rendering human creativity obsolete and possibly costing me my livelihood.

While a part of me still harbors that concern, a greater part believes in the enduring value of humanity, originality, and creativity in our culture.

Take the example of literature: In 370 BC, Plato argued that writing, a relatively new medium then, was a "backward step from truth." His mentor, Socrates, shared this sentiment, fearing that recording thoughts would lead to forgetfulness. Despite their preference for oral dialogue over written text, writing blossomed into a crucial means of communication over the centuries.

Fast forward to 1458 with the advent of the printing press, which democratized access to written works. While the elite bemoaned this shift, it empowered the masses. In 1492, a monk named Trithemius of Sponheim lamented that scribes exhibited greater diligence than printers.

By 1778, after centuries of book printing, some intellectuals began to critique modern works, favoring the "classics" over contemporary literature. Vicesimus Knox, a Presbyterian preacher, criticized the modern novel for overshadowing timeless works like those of Homer and Virgil.

Accepting AI as a Tool

I initially reacted similarly to the Kindle when it first appeared. I cherished tangible books, relishing their weight and the tactile feel of pages turning. Staring at a screen after a long day of work was not appealing. However, my perspective on technology has evolved, and I now view the Kindle—and by extension, AI—as useful tools.

Just as the printing press, spellcheck, Google, and e-readers have made information more accessible and tasks like writing and research more manageable, AI can serve a similar purpose. Once I overcame my apprehension about using ChatGPT, I found it to be a valuable resource for overcoming writer's block, generating project ideas, and drafting initial emails and social media posts. After generating content, I would refine it to reflect my unique voice, often transforming it into an entirely original piece.

As Robert R. McCammon aptly stated, "There is nothing more frightening or exciting than a blank piece of paper." I’ve always identified with the "frightening" aspect, but using AI as a starting point has rekindled my excitement for writing. I still feel creative and firmly identify as a writer.

If you're grappling with fear or uncertainty regarding this new technology, that's completely understandable. However, I encourage you to approach it as a tool rather than a menacing force poised to take over the world with its exceptional writing capabilities.

The Impact of AI on Our Future

In the first video, "The Scene Snobs Podcast - Artificially Unintelligent," we explore the misconceptions surrounding AI and its true potential. Join the discussion about how AI can complement human creativity rather than replace it.

The second video, "Are we all wrong about AI?" delves into the societal fears and expectations associated with artificial intelligence. It encourages viewers to rethink their perceptions and embrace the possibilities AI presents.

Embracing AI as a beneficial tool may take time, but its potential to enhance our lives is undeniable.