Yes, quite possibly, but then that’s always been the case in that the ‘competition’ from dross has always been there. The challenge is that the volume of such material has increased exponentially. I’ve heard plenty of anecdotes of ‘authors’ churning out multiple novels a day using AI. Few people may buy them but it gets harder to have your work found amid the noise. I write non-fiction but the same issues apply.
AI works by predicting what is the most likely next word, drawing on its vast database of written material. I think it can’t replace original description drawn from personal experience. It can replace clichéd description of popular places, where the writer is just regurgitating what others have said before them.
It's quite possible that AI might, at some point, undertake the role of a place writer. But how holistic will it be?
Yes, AI might lack our biological sensory experiences, but unless you are talking about a place no one has ever documented, all these tools will need to do is analyse and interpret sensory data.
Think written descriptions, social media posts, reviews, historical texts, and all audio-visual content.
It could then generate pretty compelling descriptions that capture the essence of any place from the perspective of anyone you choose, living or dead.
It might only be a matter of time before we find olfactory sensors in our phones that detect smells. Then, perhaps a 'free' app will start logging smell data to grid references.
Sadly for us humans, I feel an AI will find place writing very easy indeed. In fact, it needn't stop there. We already have generative machine learning tools creating immersive virtual realities in video from a simple text input. No need to conjure up the sense of place in your mind while merely reading. Slip on some goggles and immerse yourself in the virtual space.
But will we be able to relate as deeply with these machine renders as well as we might with our human perspective?
Perhaps for a little while, we still have an edge. Thanks to our contextual understanding, subjectivity, empathy, and connection to the world around us.
Most important of all will be the connection we nurture with our communities of readers.
It's not just about trust and authenticity, there is also emotional connection and the shared experience... And long may it last. :-)
Yes, quite possibly, but then that’s always been the case in that the ‘competition’ from dross has always been there. The challenge is that the volume of such material has increased exponentially. I’ve heard plenty of anecdotes of ‘authors’ churning out multiple novels a day using AI. Few people may buy them but it gets harder to have your work found amid the noise. I write non-fiction but the same issues apply.
Love these ideas, Yasmin. Congrats on the Viva! Look forward to hearing about it.
AI works by predicting what is the most likely next word, drawing on its vast database of written material. I think it can’t replace original description drawn from personal experience. It can replace clichéd description of popular places, where the writer is just regurgitating what others have said before them.
AI is very clever, but I don't think it will write anything as sensitive and meaningful as your poem!
Thanks for the mention Yasmin.
It's quite possible that AI might, at some point, undertake the role of a place writer. But how holistic will it be?
Yes, AI might lack our biological sensory experiences, but unless you are talking about a place no one has ever documented, all these tools will need to do is analyse and interpret sensory data.
Think written descriptions, social media posts, reviews, historical texts, and all audio-visual content.
It could then generate pretty compelling descriptions that capture the essence of any place from the perspective of anyone you choose, living or dead.
It might only be a matter of time before we find olfactory sensors in our phones that detect smells. Then, perhaps a 'free' app will start logging smell data to grid references.
Sadly for us humans, I feel an AI will find place writing very easy indeed. In fact, it needn't stop there. We already have generative machine learning tools creating immersive virtual realities in video from a simple text input. No need to conjure up the sense of place in your mind while merely reading. Slip on some goggles and immerse yourself in the virtual space.
But will we be able to relate as deeply with these machine renders as well as we might with our human perspective?
Perhaps for a little while, we still have an edge. Thanks to our contextual understanding, subjectivity, empathy, and connection to the world around us.
Most important of all will be the connection we nurture with our communities of readers.
It's not just about trust and authenticity, there is also emotional connection and the shared experience... And long may it last. :-)