Gen AI: Boon or Bane for Creativity?

18 Jan 2024 10:15h - 11:00h

Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the WEF session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the WEF YouTube channel.

Full session report

Almar Latour

Almar Latour, the CEO of Dow Jones, recently discussed the numerous benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of journalism. AI has the capability to process large amounts of data, which can help uncover malfeasance in society. It also automates tasks such as generating headlines and simple stories, allowing journalists to focus more on investigative work. Latour argues that these advancements are exciting for journalism. AI has the capacity to connect with readers in new and innovative ways, deepening the connection between media outlets and the general public. By understanding reader preferences and interests, AI-powered platforms can deliver tailored content on a more personal level. Dow Jones is set to launch new products driven by generative AI technology, aimed primarily at corporate customers. These products will enable users to extract deeper and more meaningful information, revolutionizing the field of journalism. Subscription models play a crucial role in sustaining journalism and advancing AI technologies. The value of AI and technology in journalism should be determined by the usefulness and in-depth nature of the information provided to consumers. Subscription models allow media outlets to monetize their content, with 80% of revenues being generated through subscriptions. Credibility and trust are essential in the journalism industry. Latour emphasizes the importance of disclosure and authentication procedures to address the expected overflow of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in an election year. An industry-wide collaboration is necessary to show audiences where content comes from and which sources can be trusted. Protecting intellectual property (IP) is a challenge faced by the industry, as large language models often violate it. Latour suggests implementing an industry standard for content authentication to safeguard the commercial interests of journalists. Identifying content origin can protect IP rights and ensure the economic viability of journalism. Latour advocates for fair compensation through licensing models for the use of media outlets’ content in AI. This not only resolves copyright issues but also recognizes the value of high-quality journalism and encourages its continued production. Instead of legal action, Latour prefers commercial solutions and partnerships for addressing AI challenges in the industry. Collaboration and partnerships can foster effective responses to AI technologies faced by media outlets. In conclusion, Almar Latour’s discussion highlights the various ways AI can enhance journalism, from uncovering malfeasance to deepening reader engagement and developing AI-driven products. Subscription models, disclosure and authentication procedures, licensing, and intellectual property rights play crucial roles in sustaining the industry and ensuring fair compensation. Collaboration and partnerships are essential for navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by AI advancements in journalism.

Daren Tang

AI is being embraced by musicians as a tool to explore new forms of expression and enhance creativity. Notable artists such as New Order, The Beatles, and Howard Jones have already experimented with AI-generated music, demonstrating positive sentiment towards its potential in the music industry. For example, New Order utilized synthesizers in their songs in the late 70s and early 80s, while The Beatles released a new song titled ‘Then and Now’ created using AI. Howard Jones took it a step further by using AI-generated versions of his voice to create a chorus. Grimes has also suggested using AI for creating new music and sharing royalties.

However, concerns exist that AI could replace human work and result in job loss for musicians. The creative community is apprehensive about the possibility of AI replacing their role. This issue gained attention during a Hollywood strike, sparking conversations about AI’s impact on human work for the first time in 40 years. Artists and creators worry that AI may result in job losses and undermine the importance of human-centered creativity. It is argued that AI should enhance and augment human creativity rather than replace it.

Additionally, there are concerns related to inclusion and the digital divide. Over 2.6 billion people currently lack access to the internet, and among those who do have access, 90% reportedly lack sufficient computing power to engage with AI. This highlights the need to address the gap in access and resources to ensure inclusive participation in AI.

Intellectual property (IP) issues regarding AI-generated content also pose challenges. There is fragmentation worldwide in the protection and ownership of AI-generated content. In the United States, content generated by AI is not given copyright protection, while efforts are being made in countries like China and South Korea to provide corporate protection for AI-prompted artwork. To address these concerns, it is suggested that the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) should serve as a global platform to bring stakeholders together and share best practices regarding IP issues related to AI-generated content.

AI’s involvement in understanding and addressing childhood trauma is another area of exploration. It is believed that AI can scrape childhood trauma faster than humans, potentially aiding in the process of understanding and dealing with it. However, concerns arise about the impact of AI’s involvement in creative fields on mental health and human emotions.

In copyright cases, there is a growing trend towards collaboration and mediation between technology companies and industry players. Notably, there has been an increase in copyright mediation cases, indicating a shift away from court litigation. It is encouraged that negotiations take place between these parties to find ways to make collaboration work.

Blockchain and smart contracts are seen as promising solutions for connecting creators with consumers and enhancing royalty distribution. Several collective management organizations are exploring these technologies, recognizing their potential to efficiently manage intellectual property rights.

Alongside technological solutions, there is a pressing need for enhanced education and awareness about digital IP rights among creators, especially in developing countries. Initiatives like the Creator’s Learn IP (CLIP) platform, launched by the World Intellectual Property Organization in partnership with the Music Rights Awareness Foundation, aim to increase awareness about music-making processes and how to secure and utilize intellectual property rights effectively.

In conclusion, while AI is seen as a valuable tool for musicians to explore new forms of expression and enhance creativity, concerns exist about its potential to replace human work and its impact on inclusivity, intellectual property, and mental health. Collaboration, negotiation, and education are seen as key factors in maximizing the benefits of AI in the creative industries.

Krista Kim

Krista Kim, a renowned digital artist and the founder of Techism, envisions the convergence of AI, spatial computing or metaverse, and blockchain. She believes that combining these technologies can lead to groundbreaking advancements in the artistic discipline. Krista Kim’s vision includes breaking down communication barriers with the help of AI. She argues that AI has the potential to facilitate communication in different languages and even between species, such as plants, minerals, and animals. This bridging of communication gaps between humans and the natural world can lead to new forms of understanding and connection. Additionally, Krista Kim advocates for the integration of sustainability in AI projects. She emphasizes the importance of considering the environmental impact and long-term sustainability of technological innovations. By addressing these concerns, AI can contribute to responsible and sustainable solutions, aligning with the goals of responsible consumption and production. Krista Kim also highlights the distinction between human-made creations and those generated by machines. Collaborating with TenBayo, she aims to create an art installation using the unique heartbeat algorithm of individuals. By emphasizing the value of human creativity, she seeks to differentiate it from algorithmically generated content. Krista Kim proposes intertwining digital identity with physical identity through the use of biometrics, specifically the verification of an individual’s unique heartbeat. This ensures the secure authentication of digital creations and the protection of intellectual property. Furthermore, she addresses concerns regarding AI language models and intellectual property protection by suggesting the use of zero-risk AI language models that preserve individuals’ IP. Krista Kim also highlights the use of heart signatures for verification in zero-risk AI, enhancing the security of AI systems. When it comes to accrediting and remunerating creators for their intellectual property, she emphasizes the potential of decentralized layer technology, interoperability, and smart contracts. These innovations can ensure that creators receive proper recognition and compensation for their work, promoting fairness and economic growth in the creative industries. In conclusion, Krista Kim’s perspectives on the convergence of AI, spatial computing, and blockchain offer valuable insights into the potential of these technologies to revolutionize the artistic landscape. Her vision encourages ethical considerations and the responsible use of AI, aligning with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Brendan Vaughan

The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of various perspectives and arguments surrounding the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism. One argument presented is that AI has the potential to perform numerous tasks in journalism, which would then free up human journalists to focus on more complex work. By leveraging AI, it is believed that less engaging stories could potentially be written by machines, allowing human journalists to engage in more intricate and demanding journalistic endeavors. This viewpoint highlights the possible benefits of AI in streamlining certain aspects of journalism and allowing human journalists to focus on higher-level tasks.

Another perspective acknowledges that AI has been in use for some time and its capabilities are continuously growing. The argument positions AI as a tool that can perform tasks faster and better than humans. To support this, the example of calculators, which have been in use for a long time and are capable of performing mathematical calculations faster and more accurately than humans, is given. This viewpoint suggests that to keep up with the advancing capabilities of AI, humans should adapt and embrace its potential in order to enhance their own work.

However, concerns are raised about the cost and accessibility of AI technology. It is mentioned that the development of AI technology is not cheap, and the computational power required to run AI systems can be very expensive. The analysis specifically refers to OpenAI, which had to change from being a non-profit organization to accepting money for their work due to the expensive nature of AI development. This argument highlights the financial challenges associated with AI and raises questions about the affordability of AI products for consumers.

The concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is also discussed in the analysis. One speaker suggests that for a machine to be considered to possess AGI, it would need to experience human-like phenomena such as childhood trauma. This idea presents a unique perspective on AGI and raises questions about the potential complexities and implications of creating machines that simulate human experiences.

The analysis delves into the realm of creativity in relation to AI. One argument proposes that a prompt can be considered a creative act and potentially protected by copyright. This viewpoint invites a discussion on the legal aspects of AI-generated content and how copyright laws should be applied in such cases. Additionally, human agency in the creative process is emphasized, regardless of technological advancements. This notion emphasizes the importance of human input and decision-making in creative endeavors.

The analysis also raises concerns about the legal and regulatory framework surrounding Generative AI. It is suggested that although Generative AI holds enormous creative potential, the existing legal and regulatory framework is struggling to keep pace with its development. Issues such as the legal relationship between individual creators and content distributing entities, as well as the role of large media organizations that feed language models, are discussed. This underscores the need for an updated and comprehensive framework to address the challenges and complexities posed by Generative AI.

Despite the challenges and complexities associated with AI in journalism, an optimistic outlook is expressed for its future. While acknowledging the obstacles, there is a sense of hope for finding fair solutions and avoiding repeating the hard lessons from past tech history, such as the case of Napster. This optimism reflects a belief in the potential of AI technology to enhance journalism, while also acknowledging the need for careful consideration and adaptation to address its associated challenges.

In conclusion, the analysis explores various perspectives on the use of AI in journalism. It highlights the potential benefits of AI in streamlining certain aspects of journalism and freeing up human journalists for more complex work. The analysis also acknowledges the growing capabilities of AI and the need for humans to adapt and embrace AI technology. However, concerns about the cost and accessibility of AI products are raised. The concepts of Artificial General Intelligence, creativity, and human agency in the creative process are also examined. Additionally, the legal and regulatory challenges surrounding Generative AI are discussed. Overall, the analysis presents a nuanced understanding of AI’s potential in journalism, while recognizing the need for a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to address its implications.

Neal Mohan

The analysis delves into the topics of AI, creativity, and technology, particularly in relation to platforms like YouTube. The speakers highlight that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance human creativity, rather than a substitute for it. YouTube and Google DeepMind have collaborated to create a music AI incubator, which allows artists to experiment with AI tools. Artists can provide a text prompt, and the AI tool generates music based on the given parameters. This is seen as an exciting development, as it enables artists to explore new avenues of music creation that were previously unimaginable.

The speakers also discuss the potential of AI to democratise the creative process. They introduce DreamScreen, a technology that allows creators to generate content quickly, which would have taken a significant amount of time manually. This accessibility empowers individuals who may not have had the opportunity to use such tools before. The sentiment around this aspect is largely positive, as it is believed that democratizing the creative process can lead to innovation and reduced inequalities.

Furthermore, YouTube’s use of AI to provide a personalised user experience is highlighted. When users open the YouTube app, they are presented with a ranked feed of recommendations based on their interests. Machine learning algorithms analyse billions of signals to offer personalised content suggestions. This feature has been well-received by users, as it enhances their overall experience on the platform.

The analysis also touches upon the importance of building an audience before monetising on YouTube’s predominantly advertiser-driven platform. Creators are advised to connect with an audience first, as this forms the foundation for generating income through advertising products. This neutral argument highlights the need for creators to establish a dedicated following before they can fully benefit from the monetisation opportunities provided by YouTube.

Additionally, the speakers highlight the partnership between YouTube and the NFL, which aimed to reach a younger audience and collaborate with popular YouTubers. By streaming Sunday Ticket on YouTube, the NFL aimed to cater to the preferences of younger viewers who wished to consume content from their favourite live games. This positive sentiment towards the partnership reflects the recognition of YouTube’s influence in attracting younger audiences and the desire to leverage the creative talents of YouTubers.

The analysis also emphasises the significance of watermarking and attribution technology in the creative industry. Watermarking technology, illustrated by the use of DreamTrack, allows for the identification of machine-generated content and the preservation of the authenticity of human-created content. Similarly, attribution technology, exemplified by ContentID, safeguards the rights of creatives while also creating economic models. The argument is made that investment in watermarking and attribution technology should be a collective effort within the industry, aligning with the focus on partnerships for achieving goals.

Furthermore, attention is drawn towards the increasing trend of collaboration between industry players and tech companies for managing copyright issues. It is noted that there has been a 50% rise in copyright mediation cases at Waipo, indicating a preference for resolving disputes through collaboration rather than resorting to legal action. This positive sentiment towards collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the importance of working together to protect intellectual property rights.

Lastly, the speakers emphasise the need to manage technological advancements responsibly. YouTube collaborated with Universal Music to develop principles governing the responsible development of technology. These principles focus on issues such as control, attribution, and responsibly managing the voice of artists. This positive sentiment highlights the importance of ethical considerations in leveraging technology for creative purposes.

In conclusion, the analysis provides insights into the role of AI, creativity, and technology on platforms like YouTube. It highlights that AI can enhance human creativity, democratise the creative process, and provide personalised user experiences. It also emphasises the importance of building an audience before monetising on YouTube’s platform and the significance of watermarking and attribution technology in protecting rights and fostering economic models within the creative industry. Collaboration between industry players and tech companies in managing copyright issues and the responsible development and use of technology are also viewed as positive trends.

AL

Almar Latour

Speech speed

158 words per minute

Speech length

1273 words

Speech time

483 secs

BV

Brendan Vaughan

Speech speed

187 words per minute

Speech length

2090 words

Speech time

669 secs

DT

Daren Tang

Speech speed

204 words per minute

Speech length

1861 words

Speech time

547 secs

KK

Krista Kim

Speech speed

173 words per minute

Speech length

722 words

Speech time

251 secs

NM

Neal Mohan

Speech speed

192 words per minute

Speech length

2321 words

Speech time

727 secs