By Jamie Smith
ONCE, when I was teaching a drama class, my fellow instructor predicted that one day everyone would be wearing wrist radios to communicate just like Dick Tracy.
Obviously, that was a long time ago and part of it is not correct, but isn’t it true that many wear wrist watches that will do far more than allow wireless talking? The majority of Canadians have cell phones that do likewise! The devices even “talk” to each other and can send rescue assistance to people who are injured and unable to do so themselves!
Of course, this is the good side of what I would call AI, but not everybody does. To me, if the device uses technology, I call it AI, but others classify only the newest software and things that can write letters, poetry, and so on or that can create images or guide a robot, etc.
Nevertheless, AI does create massive social and moral problems for everyone. My experience is related mostly to photography where many software companies call AI the many different presets they give you to use when developing your own photos. All it does is play with the settings for you so you can change the image to whatever you like. The major breakthrough for me is AI that assists me to create things in an image or even makes a new image for me.
The above image is created entirely with AI. First of all, I created the background in Adobe Photoshop using Generative AI which gives me three images to choose from. Having selected one, I now used Generative Fill to create the guitar on the background. You will notice that it matches because now the computer uses pixels from the background. I told it to make a vintage jazz guitar, and, voila it made this one again with three choices. For the last step I used my creative skills to touchup what I had done to my own liking and then saved it. When so doing I always give it a title and add “AI” to tell myself I utilized Artificial Intelligence.
The first moral question is of course, “Is the image mine?” According to my agreement with Adobe, it is and I can even sell it if I want. What I can’t do is make questionable photos or ones including copyrighted images. It will not allow pornography for example. I naively tried to make an image of Superman flying and it would not allow it.
A famous sculptor, who was making a huge block-long sculpture with robotic AI, was asked, “If the robot does the carving, where’s the creativity?” He immediately responded, “In the idea!” And I agree with him. So the finished photo is mine but I like to remind myself I had help. In a way it is part of photography for we always planned to make the best photo we could, and, of course we had to know how to. Now, we need to know much, much more when developing or printing it.
My greatest help I call GI and it does not mean a soldier. It is my assistance obtained through prayer and the Holy Spirit - it is GOD INTELLIGENCE! Scripture says we “have the mind of Christ”. Not only does the Holy Spirit give me ideas and assistance when compiling creative ideas, but He also gives me guidance in how to utilize them. I want to bring glory to God so I cannot violate His standards.
But the major question regarding Artificial Intelligence remains unanswered. “What about others who have criminal and low or no moral standards? How will they use AI?”
In a nutshell, BADLY!
As always, with knowledge and understanding, there will be those with no wisdom, especially Godly Wisdom who will use it for selfish, ruthless, and harmful purposes.
What shall we say then? AI must be used in personal or public matters carefully and mindfully. That responsibly belongs to all humanity but especially to those who call themselves Christ’s!
Remember, our God intends that “The Buck Stops HERE!”
Jamie Smith is a Trinity, Cambridge parishioner.