While scrolling on Instagram, I stopped on a post that poetically expressed apprehension about AI replacing human contacts. In essence, the post identified the concern that using AI for things like restaurants or vacation recommendations, perfecting a text to a romantic interest, or editing tasks is removing what would have previously been human interaction or even human jobs. 

Although I lost track of the post, it stayed in my consciousness long past disappearing into the algorithm. The emergence of AI and its impacts on society has been a controversial topic for me since the prevalence of AI has exploded over the past few years. Initially, I was very much against AI. I have genuine concerns regarding the environmental and sociological impacts alone. It is important for there to be more awareness about the amount of water and electricity that AI requires to function. And, like the Instagram post I read, I think there are valid concerns about humans becoming even more isolated in a world where we are already so disconnected. 

These concerns naturally lead me to think about how AI is impacting creativity and our ability to develop original ideas. Last week I posted about my struggles with creativity and perfectionism. Does AI enhance my creativity, or will it slowly kill it? Will AI take away our ability to come up with ideas independently, or truly develop our own inspiration? Globally, how are humans feeling the pressure to measure up to images and ideals that are created by a computer? 

Wait a minute –  I don’t want to create OR read blogs to create more anxiety in my life. Let’s take a collective breath and focus on what we can do. There are many real thoughts, feelings, and questions regarding AI and the role of technology in general in the world. My hope is to provide you with a balanced approach and actionable steps to feel good about how you navigate our ever changing world. Like most technological advances, AI has the potential to be an amazing tool that can improve and even save lives when used properly, and it also has the potential to be used in very harmful and problematic ways. 

So what can I do? I can encourage and support legislation that supports ethical use of AI and places reasonable restrictions on how it is used. I can use AI in ways that support my creativity – e.g., editing a blog post versus writing it for me, or teaching myself and my children how to use technology as a learning tool rather than a means of passive input. I can use AI to save me time or help me make money in ethical ways, so I have more opportunities to spend time with my loved ones and make “real life” memories. I can be more conscious about reaching out to the important people in my life and maintaining those connections.

As humans, we have such an amazing capacity to create, love, and care for others. I can make and post my “less than perfect” creations to remind myself and others of what humanity looks like, and enjoy the benefits of online communities and the algorithms that bring us together. It helps me to not get caught up in fear or judgement but do my best every day to make mindful decisions that make sense for my life, in ways that don’t harm others.

Love. Always,

Michelle

P. S. Next week I hope to share with you some of my creative endeavors – in the meantime you can check out @the.malgorithm on Instagram to see some of what I’ve been working on. 🙂