Weekly AI #13
Weekly AI #13
In the thirteenth issue of Weekly AI, you can expect to find the following:
Introduction
What caught my attention in the AI World this week: How Artificial Intelligence Made Me a Better Writer
GM of the Week
The Art of Life Through the Eyes of AI - Week 25 Summary
Prompt of the Week
Closing note
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1. Introduction
Welcome to the 13th edition of our "Weekly AI" newsletter! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of Trevor Paglen, an artist who uses AI as a tool to shed light on the unseen aspects of our technologically driven society.
Paglen's work is a unique blend of art and technology, where he uses AI to create images or videos derived from classified government documents or surveillance footage. His creations, more than just art, unravel the hidden mechanisms of the surveillance state and question the ethical use of technology.
One of his most recognized AI-based artworks is "ImageNet Roulette." This interactive app invited users to upload their selfies and see how an AI algorithm labels them. The algorithm was trained on the ImageNet dataset, a colossal collection of images used to train AI to recognize objects. However, ImageNet is known to have certain biases, which can result in labels that are discriminatory or offensive.
When people used "ImageNet Roulette," they often encountered surprising and unsettling results. For instance, an individual might receive a racially insensitive label, or a woman might be labeled as a "housewife." These outcomes underline how AI, if not properly managed, can inadvertently perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases.
But Paglen's exploration of AI doesn't stop at uncovering algorithmic biases. He also uses AI to craft artworks that delve into the potential perils of AI technology. In his project "The Last Pictures," Paglen launched a series of photographs into space, documenting Earth and its inhabitants. These images are encoded in a way that only future AI civilizations could decode, a thought-provoking concept that pushes the boundaries of our imagination. Here is the captivating video documenting the project "The Last Pictures"
Paglen's work is a stark reminder of the need for caution in our use of AI technology. His art raises critical questions about surveillance, control, and the potential risks associated with AI. It's a powerful wake-up call for us to be mindful of the implications of this rapidly evolving technology.
The last project by Trevor that I want you to look at is "The Neural Network Paintings" (2017). It is a series of paintings created by an AI algorithm trained on a dataset of works by renowned artists. The resulting paintings are abstract, often evoking a sense of unease or dystopia. You can view these intriguing pieces, the Neural Network Paintings by Trevor Paglen, at the Barbican.
As you continue to explore this issue, you'll find our regular sections like "GM of the Week" and "The Art of Life Through the Eyes of AI - Week 25 Summary." But don't miss out on our special feature in the next issue, "What Caught My Attention in the AI World This Week." It's packed with interesting insights that you won't want to miss!
2. What caught my attention in the AI World this week: How Artificial Intelligence Made Me a Better Writer
In this week's section of "What Caught My Attention in the AI World," I want to take you back to 2021 before the ChatGPT mania began. I've come across an intriguing article titled "How Artificial Intelligence Made Me a Better Writer," penned by Alex Kantrowitz.
Kantrowitz opens his article with a powerful statement: "Rather than take our jobs, AI will help us get better." This sentiment is a refreshing take on the often fear-driven narrative surrounding AI and job displacement. He argues that AI, far from being a threat to our professions, can actually serve as a tool for improvement and growth.
The author shares his personal experience of how AI has positively impacted his writing skills. When he tells people that artificial intelligence has made him a better writer, he is often met with surprised and skeptical looks. The common assumption is that AI technology is a concept of the distant future, not something that can be utilized beneficially in the present. However, Kantrowitz's experience contradicts this assumption.
He doesn't delve into the specifics of how AI has improved his writing in the available excerpt, but the implication is clear: AI has the potential to be a valuable tool in enhancing our skills and abilities. It's not just about creating futuristic robots or complex algorithms; it's about leveraging technology to augment our human capabilities.
In the grand scheme of things, this article underscores the importance of embracing AI as a tool for advancement rather than viewing it as a threat. It's a testament to the potential of AI in enhancing human capabilities and a reminder that the future of AI is not just about technology but about people and how we can use this technology to improve ourselves and the work we do.
On a personal note, I can attest to the benefits of AI in writing. Although I can't call myself a professional writer, I use AI for my daily writing. Two AI tools, Grammarly and ChatGPT, have become my closest allies. As English is my second language, I often use AI for proofreading my texts and sometimes to help express myself correctly when I'm unsure how to phrase my thoughts precisely in English.
When writing my "Weekly AI," I use AI to assist me with research. However, it's important to note that fact-checking and formulating thoughts is something we can't outsource to AI, at least for now. While AI can provide valuable assistance, the final responsibility for the content and its accuracy still rests with us, the human writers. It's a partnership, a blend of human creativity and AI efficiency, that makes the process more effective and enjoyable.
3. GM of the Week
This ‘GM' embodies the results of my explorations with diverse forms and materials. While I've recently written extensively about my fascination with water, it isn't the sole material that fuels my experiments. This time, my interest pivoted towards colleges. Generative AI possesses the capability to generate collage images in an impressively convincing manner. One, in particular, caught my eye. What are your thoughts on it?
4. The Art of Life Through the Eyes of AI - Week 25 Summary,
Last week was filled with balance and memorable moments. It began with a family bike ride, setting a joyful tone for the rest of the week. Work was the focus during mornings, while afternoons and evenings were filled with family time. A relaxed walk through the old town and school year-end ceremonies were highlights.
Exercise helped break up a busy Monday. Later in the week, closing a big business deal for my startup brought a sense of achievement, made even sweeter by a cozy family dinner. One day saw some home tensions, but making everyone's favorite pancakes helped mend things.
The joy of seeing my startup grow was a constant positive. Despite the busy days, peaceful evenings at home provided time to recharge. The week ended with a celebration of my children's school achievements over a sushi dinner.
Overall, last week was a mix of work, family, and personal growth. It reminded me how rewarding a balanced life can be.
Please like and comment on my tweets. Use the hashtag #LifeThroughAIEyes for a sneak peek into my daily diary. Let's continue to navigate this beautiful, complex journey together.
5. Prompt of the Week.
This week, I'm taking a slightly different approach. Instead of featuring a single prompt, I'm spotlighting an entire platform filled with them: FlowGPT.
Website https://flowgpt.com/
FlowGPT is a community-driven platform that allows users to share, discover, and create AI prompts. These prompts are instructions given to AI models like ChatGPT, enabling them to generate text, translate languages, create diverse forms of content, and provide informative answers to your questions.
What is the reason for this shift in focus? The sheer volume and variety of prompts on FlowGPT. This week, I found myself spoiled for choice, unable to pick just one prompt to feature.
FlowGPT offers a vast library of AI prompts and the ability to create and share your own. It's a treasure trove for anyone keen on leveraging AI models to their full potential.
To get started, create an account, log in, and dive into the ocean of prompts. This week, I challenge you to explore FlowGPT and discover the endless possibilities it offers. Happy exploring!
6. Closing note
As we wrap up this edition of "Weekly AI," I'd like to share my insights on the latest update from Midjourney, version 5.2. As a regular user of this Generative AI platform, I've found the new features to significantly enhance the graphic creation process.
The Zoom Out feature is a game-changer for framing our creations. It allows us to adjust the perspective of our generated images after they've been created. Whether you need a wider view or a square format, this feature has you covered.
Next, the Stylize command has been revamped. It now has a stronger impact on the stylization of your image. With a higher stylize value, Midjourney gets more creative freedom, resulting in more unique and beautiful images. It's like having an expanded palette of colors and textures at your disposal.
Another exciting addition is the High Variation mode. Turned on by default (V5.2 only), this mode provides a wider variety of images when you click the 'V' button under one of your prompts. It's like opening a box of surprises, offering a multitude of possibilities from a single idea.
The Shorten command is a handy tool that optimizes your prompts. When you type '/shorten,' Midjourney analyzes your prompt and tells you which words were actually useful. This feature is like having a personal AI editor, helping you understand how to make your prompts more effective.
In essence, Midjourney 5.2 is not just about improving the quality of the generated images. It's about making the process more intuitive, flexible, and fun. It's like having a new set of tools to create with, and I'm thrilled to see what everyone can create with these new features.
If you haven't tried Midjourney yet, I highly recommend it. The joy of experimenting with these new features is hard to put into words. And if you're already a user, I encourage you to dive in and explore these new features. The possibilities are endless.
Before we sign off, I'd like to remind you to subscribe to my "Weekly AI" newsletter if you haven't already. I’m always exploring the AI universe from different angles, and I'd love to have you on board. And if you're enjoying my content, please spread the word. The more people we have in our community, the more we can learn and grow together in this exciting world of AI.
So, until next week, keep exploring, keep creating, and keep having fun with AI. The future of AI is here, and it's more exciting than ever!
Yours,
D3W