RIP Tony Bennett, so here are new lyrics
Day: July 21, 2023
From bias to balance: Google’s Genesis could pave the way
In today’s world, many news stories are influenced by personal views or politics. This is a big problem for the news business. Now, Google has made Genesis, an AI bot that writes news. This might be a big step toward information that is fairer.
When we talk about “fair” news, we mean information not influenced by views or politics. Readers should be able to make their thoughts based on the facts. Recently, communication has become more influenced by personal or political beliefs.
AI, like Genesis, has no political or personal views. It doesn’t have feelings that can cause it to be biased like humans. AI uses algorithms to find, sort, and show data. It doesn’t form views.
Genesis can mine many data sources and find, sort, and show it faster and on a larger scale than humans. It can check these sources for facts and make complete, balanced reports without views or slants. This not only means more topics can be covered but also that the points stay true.
However, can pick up biases from the data it uses to learn. For example, if an AI uses a lot of data from one political view, it might show that view in its work. So, the people who make and use AI have a big job to ensure the data is fair and the AI is used correctly.
Also, AI can’t replace human news writers. Genesis is good at finding and showing facts, but humans understand feelings and complex ideas better. The best way forward might be for AI and humans to work together: Genesis can give the points, and humans can provide the meaning and tell the story.
Genesis is a big chance for the news business. News that is just facts could make people trust information again. However, it is essential to remember that AI is a tool, not a magic fix. Making sure news is fair requires hard work and care from those who create and use AI. If we use Genesis correctly, it could start a new time of unbiased news.
If we use AI like Genesis thoughtfully, we could move the news business away from views and back to truth and fairness. In a time where false news and over-dramatic stories have made things unclear, AI could be the guide to help us understand the world fairly and clearly.
Teeing off with Tesla, landing in the rough with Hitler
Once upon a time, I embarked on a noble journey as an artist, intending to shed light on a misunderstood genius from the past. Little did I know that this artistic adventure would lead me into an unexpected situation.
The protagonist of this story is none other than myself. The misunderstood genius I sought to portray is the legendary Nikola Tesla, whose knowledge lay in lightning rather than in perfecting his golf swing.
Now, here’s where things took an unforeseen turn. Alongside the vision of Tesla playing golf, I inadvertently generated an AI-created image that, by chance, bore a passing resemblance to Adolf Hitler, the infamous turd who made the world his punchbowl.
I must emphasize that there is no actual historical or factual connection between Tesla and Hitler.
My idea was to present Tesla in an unusual setting, breaking free from his usual lab environment and having a playful moment on the golf course. The irony of such a depiction was an intriguing creative challenge, a project worth sharing.
So, I enlisted the help of my AI bot assistant and provided the following prompt:
“Create a photorealistic HD 8K portrait of Nikola Tesla on a golf course, with lightning striking dramatically in the background. The photo should be set in 1930, using 2-color Technicolor, depicting a stormy day with ominous clouds in a 16:9 aspect ratio.”
As you can see, the outcome sort of captures Tesla’s essence but also somewhat sort of resembles Hitler. (It’s essential to clarify that the similarity in the AI-generated image is purely coincidental.)
Similarly, odd coincidences show Barack Obama resembling Clutch Cargo, J.J. Abrams and Rachel Maddow seeming to have been separated at birth, and Paul Revere looking like either Bob Hope or Jack Black.
Exploring dystopia: Does real beat supernatural?
Many opportunities have opened up in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, especially in storytelling.
I’ve traditionally relied on words to tell stories and painted pictures with linguistic artistry. However, I now find myself captivated by the possibility of an innovative form of storytelling that combines the power of words and the allure of visuals.
I’m thinking about creating a dystopian series.
Why?
First, I enjoy the genre. It’s as simple as that.
Second, part of my affinity for dystopian narratives stems from their popularity, a phenomenon that rivals, or perhaps even surpasses, the cultural fascination with zombie and vampire sagas.
A peculiar allure in dystopian stories captivates audiences on a profound level. These narratives, with their grim yet thought-provoking depictions of the future, are compelling in their ability to entertain and pose crucial questions about society, humanity, and our collective future.
In contrast to the fantastical elements of vampire and zombie lore, the dystopian genre is grounded in a stark, often chilling, potential reality. This potential for plausibility contributes to their widespread appeal and my fascination.
The amalgamation of evocative words and realistic images will only amplify these dystopian tales’ compelling nature.
The advent of Midjourney sparked my imagination. This AI bot offers the ability to create astonishingly realistic imagery, which could be a powerful tool for breathing life into the desolate futures I craft.
The thought of generating visual landscapes to go along with my narratives is exhilarating. I envision a book where the words and images are intertwined, exploring a sorrowful future world. The text would narrate the struggles, while the illustrations would lend actual shape to that narrative.
I’ve already begun experimenting with Midjourney, building a tableau of the future. I’ve included some early idea images.
What are your thoughts about this? It is a hybrid book containing narratives and visuals set in a dystopian future.
Does it resonate with you?
L.T. Hanlon 