Module 3 of the course delves into the growing world of AI narratives. It offers a comprehensive overview of AI in writing, showcasing examples of AI-generated fiction and its impact on readers. This module encourages students to explore the unique capabilities of AI in creating narratives that differ from traditional print stories, examining the potential of AI to transform storytelling.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain a broad understanding of AI's role in writing and storytelling.
- Evaluate AI-generated writing alongside traditional human-crafted stories.
- Analyze and contrast the characteristics of print narratives with those of AI-generated content, focusing on storytelling differences, audience engagement, and publication possibilities.
Wu, J., et al. (2021). "Recursively summarising books with human feedback."
This groundbreaking study explores the use of AI in summarizing complex literary works. The paper delves into the process where AI algorithms are trained with human feedback to create concise, yet comprehensive summaries of books. It presents a unique intersection of human creativity and AI efficiency, offering insights into how AI could augment human understanding of literature.Novel AI (2021).
This website serves as a platform for AI-powered writing tools. It demonstrates the practical applications of AI in creative writing, providing users with AI-assisted tools for crafting narratives. The site exemplifies the blend of AI technology with human creativity, offering a glimpse into the future of storytelling where AI plays a collaborative role.Benson, D. (2022). "AI in Fiction and the Future of War."
David Benson's article probes into the use of AI in writing war fiction, examining how AI can generate narratives that speculate on future warfare. The piece highlights the capacity of AI to extend beyond current human imagination, offering new dimensions in fiction writing, particularly in speculative and science fiction genres.Chubb, J., et al. (2022). "Expert views about missing AI narratives: is there an AI story crisis?"
This paper delves into the discourse around AI narratives, addressing concerns about potential gaps in AI storytelling. It raises critical questions about the representation and diversity in AI-generated content, examining whether AI can truly capture the breadth and depth of human experiences and storytelling diversity.Suggested Reading: Howlarium (2022). "What will AI do to reading?"
This article explores the implications of AI on the future of reading. It discusses how AI might transform readers' experiences, from interactive storytelling to personalized narrative journeys. The piece contemplates the changing landscape of reading in the age of AI, probing the potential shifts in reader engagement and content consumption.
Considering the Benson and Chubb readings were about our misguided fiction towards AI*, the ‘Ten Visions of our Future’ video does not make me feel like fiction has it all wrong. I’m not going to complain about potential medical applications or clean, efficient energy that spares our natural resources- I’m on board for that! What gives me some cause for alarm is the casual way Mr. Lee announces how thoroughly and flawlessly AI will be able to target everyone for specific advertising. That doesn’t feel far from the slightly dystopic, ad-driven world represented in Minority Report (see the attached link for a reference).
ReplyDeleteMinority Report Clip: https://youtu.be/7bXJ_obaiYQ?si=kTyNZi27IZX5Hbfi
It’s interesting how this also coincides with the material many of us are reading in COMM 505 right now. Mr. Lee seems almost delighted at the idea of driverless and automated tech. Those of us in COMM 505 might recognize this as platform capitalism. For all its technological wonder, it’s still a monopoly designed to cut costs by replacing workers and stamping out competitors. Maybe AI isn’t Skynet or Ultron, but at least I know what those two are all about. When we aren’t given a say in how our gathered data is used, and for what intent, it makes it seem a little more nefarious.
Benson, C. (2022, June 3). AI in Fiction and the Future of War. The Strategy Bridge.
https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2022/6/3/ai-in-fiction-and-the-future-of-war
Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence. (n.d.) AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWTqS2_MfPE
Chubb, J., Reed, D., & Cowling, P. (2022). Expert views about missing AI narratives: is there an AI story crisis?. AI & society, 1–20. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-022-01548-2
In the article by Benson (2023), the following excerpt caught my attention is: "AI can be a useful tool when applied appropriately and poses real challenges if misused. People need to be able to know when a tool can be used and what problems it might create."
ReplyDeleteI find this statement highly relevant and agree with it. Distinguishing between realistic and unrealistic AI expectations is crucial to understanding its true potential and limitations. Some people hold extremely optimistic views about AI, such as the belief that fully autonomous planes will soon become a reality (Benson, 2023). However, I think such advancements might not happen due to the ethical or technological challenges associated with AI. For instance, self-driving cars must be programmed to handle complex accident scenarios (Amos, 2022). In a no-win situation, should the car prioritize saving an elderly pedestrian on the sidewalk or a child running into the street to retrieve a ball? This example underscores Benson’s (2023) point that while AI has potential, it must be applied with caution and a clear understanding of its limitations.
I believe much of the fear surrounding AI stems from a lack of understanding, which is further exacerbated by overly optimistic and utopian narratives. Fictional portrayals of AI often contribute to unrealistic expectations (Benson, 2023), reinforcing the misconception that AI is either an all-powerful tool or a threat. When people are led to believe that self-driving vehicles and other AI advancements are just around the corner, it can intensify dystopian fears of AI taking over. This is a concern often held by those wary of technological progress (Benson, 2023). This aligns with Chubb et al. (2022), who highlight how AI narratives are often polarized between utopian and dystopian extremes, largely shaped by powerful stakeholders such as big tech companies.
Big tech companies often promote AI as a transformative technology, emphasizing its potential. This can contribute to public skepticism, as many people perceive these companies as being primarily profit-driven and potentially harmful to society. Such perceptions can also further fuel fears about AI. To bridge the gap in public understanding, Chubb et al. (2022) argue that the public needs balanced narratives that accurately convey AI’s current capabilities and advancements. They propose integrating creative storytelling and art to improve public understanding, which I find a valuable approach. They can use these strategies to reshape the narratives surrounding AI. Fear often arises from a lack of knowledge, and by providing more accessible and engaging narratives, people can develop a clearer and more informed perspective on AI. I believe addressing misconceptions through storytelling and education can help shift the focus from unrealistic fears to a more balanced understanding of AI's actual impact and potential.
References:
* Amos, Z. (2024, 15 juni). The Ethical Considerations of Self-Driving Cars. Montreal AI
Ethics Institute. https://montrealethics.ai/the-ethical-considerations-of-self-driving-
cars/
* Benson, D.C. (2022, June 3). AI in Fiction and the Future of War. The Strategy Bridge.
https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2022/6/3/ai-in-fiction-and-the-future-of-war
* Chubb, J., Reed, D., & Cowling, P. (2024). Expert views about missing AI narratives: Is there
an AI story crisis? AI & Society, 39(1107-1126). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-022-01548-2