Machine Learning: A Creative Companion or Threat?

Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), has witnessed remarkable growth and widespread adoption in various fields, revolutionizing industries with its intelligent applications. However, alongside its outstanding capabilities, machine learning has sparked conflicting perspectives. The question arises: will machine learning be a companion that enhances human creativity or a threat that replaces it?

What is Machine learning?

Machine learning is an AI application that leverages data to enhance algorithm performance without explicit programming. Its accuracy and intelligence improve with the inclusion of more data in the analysis.

Remarkable growth rate of Machine learning and AI

ChatGPT’s 100 million users is an indication of its soaring popularity since its launch in December 2022

The source of the controversy

In addition to the rapid and intelligent development of Machine learning, conflicting topics and opinions on this issue have also received a lot of attention and research, especially among creative designers. It is easy to see in this “war” that there are two main “factions” including those who support the use of AI as a life support assistant and those who exclude and oppose AI products because they consider them insensitive products.

The Impact of AI in Creative Design

 Théâtre D’opéra Spatial created from Midjourney by Jason M. Allen

Théâtre D’opéra Spatial created from Midjourney by Jason M. AllenOn August 29, 2022, the work Théâtre D’opéra Spatial – a product of AI MidJourney – was brought to the Colorado State Exhibition (USA) and was awarded the first prize in the digital art category. This event created a great controversy in the art world when, for the first time, a work of art created by artificial intelligence was accepted and appreciated so much.

Opposition from Traditional Artists

AI products mix reviews

It is easy to see that most of those who oppose the use of AI in creative design are traditional artists, who have long been active in mainstream art and honor human emotions above all. They are disgruntled, and vehemently opposed to works created by artificial intelligence, considering such works as emotionless, and AI will not be able to replace humans.

Dall-E artwork adapted from”Girl with a Pearl Earring” -Johannes Vermeer

To become a creative designer, traditional artists have to spend a lot of time and effort to learn and gain experience. Consequently, it is understandable why critics backlash against AI works that quickly complete with just a few commands but still receive the same level of rating as mainstream works. For them, AI is a competitor, threatening and affecting the creative design industry, causing them to lose control, autonomy, responsibility, and exclusivity of design products.

Proliferation of “AI Experts”

The truth is that more and more people with no drawing and design experience are claiming to be “AI Experts,” “MidJourney Experts” to sell simple works, with no depth, and no message to make a profit. Additionally, they even open classes with the promise of passing on how to use Machine learning applications effectively and fluently. Consequently, it is these “AI Experts” that have made the Machine learning community in particular and the creative design community in general “diluted,” unprofessional, and obscured the hidden possibilities that AI brings.

AI disadvantage as the inability to draw a human hand.

Is machine learning worthy of criticism?

But is Machine Learning really criticized? And why are there parts that support and use it as a useful tool?

It is undeniable that the utilities and potential that Machine Learning brings to the creative community. Who has helped people save more time, support for creating ideas, and even improve the incomplete skills of users? Instead of spending hours, even daily, weekly to draw or design an innovative publication, Machine Learning can completely bring products that satisfy users in a period of 10-15 minutes.

 Referring to this issue, we must once again return to the idea “These are works of machines, not humans, no emotions and no intelligence”. In fact, no works are automatically created by AI systems without human impact. Although not holding a pen, everyone is made up of user-written commands, whether a work is perfect or not entirely based on the information provided by the author, the more detailed information, the more unique the idea, and the final product shows the author’s impression.

The works created by Midjourney based on human statements

Machine learning can bring diversity, personalization, and efficiency to design products. However, it is crucial for users to be knowledgeable and responsible when using AI tools to avoid potential issues such as plagiarism or skill shortages.

Machine Learning as a collaborative tool

Machine learning’s impact on human creativity remains a subject of debate. While it offers immense potential as a collaborator and tool, it cannot replace the emotional depth and value that human creators bring to their work. However, striking a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving human creativity is essential as we move forward into the future.

Machine learning