5/5 (1)

As generative AI (GenAI) rapidly advances, concerns are growing. People worry that it will disrupt industries and replace human creativity, especially in fields like art and marketing. With each new AI tool, the fear seems to rise: are we watching the dawn of human creativity’s obsolescence? To explore this anxiety, I decided to test ArtBreeder, a free image-generation tool. Spoiler alert: it’s still far from perfect, but the potential is undeniable.

ArtBreeder caught my attention because it’s easy to use and free – though I was initially sceptical about the quality it could deliver. To make it more interesting, I used ChatGPT to generate quirky, challenging prompts. One of my firsts was: “A panda DJing at a disco party with animals from every corner of the animal kingdom”. It took quite some time to process, but when I saw the image, I was impressed!

Next, I tried something more complex: “A T-Rex in a business suit giving a presentation at a board meeting with velociraptors“. The result? A sharply dressed T-Rex in a suit, but it didn’t quite deliver the scene. The velociraptors were swapped for humans – interesting, but not exactly what I envisioned.

I pushed the limits further with “A pizza slice doing yoga on top of a mountain, with pepperoni suns rising in the background”. The main concept was there, but… not ideal.

Lastly, I tried again with “A giant broccoli dressed as a superhero, fighting a mutant carrot in the middle of a futuristic city”. This one was visually engaging but missed the carrot villain entirely.

What this experiment revealed to me was that, while GenAI tools like ArtBreeder are impressive, they are not quite the “job-stealers” many fear – at least not yet. These tools are more like collaborators: they generate quick visuals that can serve as a foundation for further development. Imagine the time saved compared to creating all of these images from scratch! In marketing or even artistic development, such tools can offer a solid starting point or inspiration base.

However, the limitations are clear. The AI often struggles with detailed prompts and more intricate compositions. It highlights the gap between human creativity, which thrives on nuance, and AI’s current capabilities, which lean toward broader interpretations.

Still, the potential is undeniable. As GenAI tools improve, they might change how we work, pushing creatives to adapt and embrace new technologies. But rather than replacing human jobs, GenAI seems to offer inspiration and efficiency rather than outright competition.

Will GenAI eventually disrupt the labour market in creative industries? Perhaps, but for now, it’s more of an assistant than a replacement—helpful, but still in need of human direction.

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Link to ArtBreeder: https://www.artbreeder.com/create

5/5 (2)

During a recent lecture on AR/VR technology, we discussed its potential to assist individuals with hearing disabilities. This topic intrigued me, and later, I shared my thoughts with my mum, who surprised me by already knowing about VR’s practical applications in her work area.

My mum works at a Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration back in Bulgaria, specializing in helping autistic individuals integrate into society. For context – autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, characterized by difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing challenges. One of the key hurdles autistic individuals face is understanding abstract concepts, making it essential to use unique teaching techniques tailored to their needs.

The most effective teaching method for many autistic people to this day remains “learning by doing” as it aligns with how they process information. Hands-on experience is crucial because abstract instructions or verbal explanations often do not resonate. This is where Virtual Reality (VR) becomes a game-changer.

My mum introduced me to a project called eVeR Safe, based in Athens, Greece. This initiative uses VR to train autistic individuals in how to respond to emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, or floods. Through VR glasses, participants are immersed in realistic, controlled scenarios that mimic real-life emergencies. In these environments, they can repeatedly practice critical safety skills, helping them develop both muscle memory and emotional resilience to respond when real emergencies arise.

VR’s strength lies in its ability to simulate real-world danger in a safe and structured way, allowing learners to build confidence and familiarity without risk. Additionally, VR can be tailored to meet the sensory needs of each learner, creating a less overwhelming experience than practising in unpredictable real-world situations.

For example, VR scenarios can replicate everyday spaces like kitchens or living rooms, where avatars guide learners through essential tasks like using a fire extinguisher or making an emergency call. These scenarios are interactive and immersive, with built-in calming techniques like deep breathing to help learners practice emotional regulation.

What I find most inspiring about eVeR Safe is how it bridges the gap between theory and practice. Without hands-on learning, many autistic individuals may struggle to react appropriately in emergencies due to anxiety or confusion. VR helps them acquire these crucial skills in a safe, repeatable way, equipping them to respond confidently in real-life situations.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—how else do you think VR could be used to support vulnerable populations?

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Resources:

[1] The link to the project: https://www.ever-safe.eu/THE-PROJECT
[2] National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved September 12, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
[3] Image 1: generated by DALL-E, ChatGPT
[4] Image 2: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341030456/figure/fig4/AS:960340082819072@1605974326054/PASS-steps-as-shown-through-the-VR-training-a-Fire-extinguisher-station-b-d-PASS-steps.png