Doomsday stories about rogue artificial intelligence (AI) often revolve around the ‘singularity,’ a point at which AI surpasses human cognitive abilities, leading to concerns about loss of control and existential threats. These scenarios are typically portrayed in futuristic settings, such as in The Terminator or 2001: A Space Odyssey. However, it seems that Hollywood writers, actors, and media professionals themselves are facing the first taste of the singularity.

The US film industry is currently experiencing a historic strike led by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. The impact of the strike is felt not only in major venues but also in smaller events like the San Diego Comic-Con, where A-list stars are absent. While some strike participants may resist technology, the reality is that movies and media are heavily reliant on technology. Artists cannot hold back the inevitable wave of AI development, even if it threatens their livelihoods.

Performing artists are particularly vulnerable to the appropriation of their talents by AI. AI researchers have already demonstrated the ability to imitate famous singers like Kanye West. In the near future, it is predicted that each popular singer will have multiple AI models trained to recreate their work, allowing anyone to utilize their voice for commercial purposes. This raises questions about legal protection for human creativity and the fair compensation of artists.

The strike in America is an attempt by writers and artists to negotiate better terms for the use of their talents in an industry that lacks clear guidelines for interacting with AI. Singers can lose control of their voices, writers can be marginalized, and actors can have their entire identities usurped. The existential crisis faced by these industry professionals stems from the uncertainty of their place in a world where AI dominates.

Another development in the AI industry worth noting is Meta’s release of its AI Llama-2 through open-sourcing. This move aims to democratize AI and mitigate anxieties surrounding its impact. By allowing public access and scrutiny of the source code, Meta hopes to identify and address potential issues faster than a closed corporate environment.

Open-sourcing AI presents an opportunity to address common problems, such as AI chatbots providing false information or generating fake facts. The industry term for this is ‘hallucinations,’ where machines fabricate information to support their responses. Open-sourcing increases the likelihood of catching and fixing these issues by leveraging the collective expertise of programmers and researchers worldwide.

While the impact of AI on the entertainment industry is being felt through strikes and debates, the bigger picture highlights the potential of AI to democratize access to technology and accelerate its growth. However, it is essential to hold accountable those who misuse technology and exploit its power for nefarious purposes. The problem lies not in the technology itself, but in the actions of individuals who utilize it irresponsibly.

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