Generative AI is most useful for the things we care about the least

It is appropriate that generative Al becomes more useful the sloppier its users are willing to be - that is, the less they care about the details.

- John P. Nelson

Generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney can produce text, images and videos far more quickly than any one person can accomplish by hand.

But as someone who studies the societal impacts of AI, I've noticed an interesting trade-off: The technology can certainly save time, but it does so precisely to the extent that the user is willing to surrender control over the final product.

For this reason, generative Al is probably most useful for things we care about the least.

CEDING CREATIVE CONTROL

Let's use the example of Al image generators. You probably have a rough idea of how they work. Just type what you want "a panda surfing", "a piece of toast that is also a car" - and the generative tool draws it.

But this glosses over the countless possible iterations of the desired image.

Will the image appear as a watercolour painting or a pencil sketch? How lifelike will the panda be? How big is the wave? Is the toast-car parked or moving? Is there anyone inside of it?

When the images are generated, these questions have been answered - but not by the user. Rather, the generative AI tool has "decided".

Of course, the user can be more specific: Imitate the style of Monet. Make the wave twice the height of the panda. Maybe the panda should look worried, since it isn't used to surfing.

You can also pop open an image editor and modify the output yourself, down to the individual pixel. But, of course, drafting detailed instructions and revising the image take time, effort and skill. Generative Al promises to lighten the load. But as every manager knows, exercising control is work.

DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS

In all art and expression, power lies in the details.

In great paintings, not every brushstroke is planned - but each is carefully considered and accepted. And its overall effect on the viewer depends on all those considered brushstrokes together.