AI wars are a mess. And I am tired of it.
I have been actively reading Reddit posts about AI. Hell, my youtube's reccomendation is filled with it. As a person who has discovered the terms 'Anti' and 'Pro' AI recently, also finding my identity within the Anti AI group, especially this sub...Am I conflicted?
Now, this is not a post to discuss if AI is good or bad; we have enough of that. But just to give you a little brief, I am an artist, honestly, not a very talented one. And admittedly, I do feel threatened by the strange influx of AI art. Part of it comes from my family against me choosing a career in AI. That's my personal issue, and along with the other general disadvantages of AI you see here- environmental issues, future job risks, privacy concerns, etc. But on the other hand, I don't blatantly hate anyone for using AI correctly. If it's genuinely helping you as a tool, go for it, man. I have not personally criticized someone on their usage unless it's art image generation or if in genuine concern for their mental health, due to depending on it too much. And why do I do that? I am not bothered by writing; you can take a guess.
Now, coming to the point, I have been lurking like a rat here without joining the sub itself. And I am genuinely tired of how there is no discussion, there is just mocking each other and repeating the same fancy words, along with insulting, etc. And believe me, there are assholes on both sides.
'But Antis are loud and insufferable!'
'But Pro AI people are too smug and arrogant!'
I'll tell you what. I just googled AI Reddit, and there were at least 5 posts that came up saying
'Do Antis actually realize they are gonna lose this war?'
'Why are they even on Reddit?'
'Antis are too loud.'
And when I opened these subs. Pro AI users [ not all, mind you] are insulting Antis, calling them delusional and laughing. And for a moment, I was feeling hurt, but while I have seen Antis more as a minority, it is true that I have also seen quite some abuse and insults from the Antis side on YouTube. I have not been on the artists' subs on Reddit, so I can't vouch for their behaviour.
A lot of you are so busy fighting each other that trying to have a healthy discussion is pointless. I may be wrong, but my personal view on both sides is this.
For Pro AI users, do sound condescending, not all, but yes, some. Most of them may not be artists, musicians, etc. But they are sure loud about AI being amazing because it does not impact their current work, or it does, but then they say adapt to it. Yes, I can do that, but its FINE to complain about a tool with potential harm. Can you listen to those harms, at least acknowledge them, their feelings? Rather than pulling out long paragraphs on how stupid antis are? Jesus. And making fun of artists will not get them to understand your point of view.
For Antis, guys, you can't force a choice outta someone. Insulting someone for using Chat GPT will NOT make them quit it. I know it fucking sucks seeing a guy generate art in seconds, take the credit over it, and then you feel hopeless because your job is dying. But the people who use AI in tech, for good purposes, are not your enemy. Shaming people will not make them understand you. Be considerate. Next time you see a teenage girl addicted to character AI, talk to her about how it's harmful, don't call her dumb as hell.
Lastly, I personally have seen that this sub is NOT neutral. And that's..Okay, I guess? Maybe Antis are less than Pros here. But lately, all the discussions seem to lean toward the Pro AI side. I guess that's a thing we can't control. But either way, if you are an Anti or Pro, I don't care, I just want you to relax, forget all the dumb ragebait you saw here, and think logically. Don't lose your calm, and try to understand both sides. AI can never be all right or all wrong. At the end of the day, all of us just want to not fall into the hands of capitalism.
[ My English ain't that fine, so sorry for that. By the way, if you are not this type of person, don't take this offense. This is for specific people I have noticed here.]
[Warning] THIS IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, AND IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SIMILAR TO YOURS OR THE FACTUAL TRUTH!