In contrast to my previous post, which left me somewhat daunted by the possibly uncontrollable consequences of generative AI, it also prospers innovation and creativity. Throughout history, art has been used to express and reflect our collective journey – from the strumming of ancient lyres to the masterful brushstrokes of Renaissance paintings. Nevertheless, a new performer has taken centre stage in the grand theatre of technological advancement: DeepArt. This Generative AI tool synthesises millions of artistic styles, from ancient wall painting to modern artists and renders the possibility to create unique, bespoke art pieces that push the boundaries of creativity in front of a screen. However, with such transformative power at our fingertips, I ask: What becomes of originality in the age of algorithmic artistry?

The emergence of “Philosophy of Generative Art” has sparked a debate in this digital age. With the advent of DeepArt, which can match art like Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ or Mozart’s symphonies, the line between inspiration and imitation has blurred. This discourse is no longer limited to just technique but goes deeper into the very essence of art itself. However, after having the opportunity to try it myself, I had a realisation. The existence of Generative AI tools, such as DeepArt, promotes human creativity and enhances it. Historically, artists derive inspiration from previous generations, and these digital tools provide artists with a new canvas as expansive as the universe itself, where each pixel and note is an opportunity to create something new. The relationship between human intuition and algorithmic precision is like a harmonious dance.

Art’s journey is cyclical; it reminds me of our desire to create, innovate, and inspire. Although the tools have changed from brush to code and algorithms, the core remains. The artistic pursuits continue to resonate through time and remind me that we always return to our roots, though with bolder strokes and brighter palettes.

With the introduction of Generative AI tools, humanity finds itself at another crossroads concerning the essence of a digital identity. Since as early as 3,000 B.C., there is evidence that fingerprints sealed business transactions, introducing the concept of identity verification (Burton, 2022). With the flourishing of civilisations, identity mechanisms evolved from jewellery and tattoos to personal ID numbers and digital avatars. The “Digital Disruption” of Generative AI tools like Dall-E and Midjourney does, however, prompt the authenticity of one’s digital representation. In my opinion, the technologies offered by the AI tools foster a further discussion on Digital (Identity) Platforms and challenge us to question: If an AI can mimic an individual’s appearance perfectly, what consequences does it have for online ID verification platforms? What is real? Here, the “Value of AI and Analytics” emerges as a philosophical discourse rather than a mere technical solution.As we know, analytics uses data to find patterns and check for correct information. With the introduction of AI, we can think about how to verify identities even better, but it also raises ethical considerations. The disruptiveness of generative AI possibly introduces a never-ending race in algorithm advancement to keep online identities real and AI-generated content honest – much like the myth of Sisyphus. Or is it impossible to always know?In an era where technology can both empower and transform, it is essential to seek knowledge, and foresight is not merely a necessity but an existential imperative. Our course is an academic pursuit of advanced analytics and a philosophical exploration of the convergence of digital disruptions. And so, as we navigate the uncharted waters of AI-driven identity in this age of ever-evolving technology, we find ourselves returning to the same question: What truly defines our digital selves? Just as civilisations of the past adapted their identity mechanisms, we, too, must adapt to the challenges and opportunities that Generative AI presents. The journey continues, the questions persist, and the development loop is, indeed, never-ending.