Artificial Reality 1/4

An Artificial Reality

/An Artificial Reality. //2023.

© Ben Labedz.

In Conversation with Chat GPT.

What is Dall-e?

Deepfake explained.

No Ethics.

Debating the Ethics of Deepfake - Ashish Jaiman.

Type-based Explorations.

Perception / Reaction.

AI Generations.

Beyond >>

You Can Be Anything You Want.

Conclusions / / Acknowledgments.

/Hello, World.

//hello, world.

On the 31st of August 1955, the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined in a proposal for a “2 month, 10 man study of artificial intelligence” submitted by John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester and Claude Shannon. Since then, we have been witness to advancements that we could only imagine in the 50s - when the term was coined. The human race is fascinated with improving our technology, pushing forward in leaps and bounds to a point where the artificial intelligence machines of today are both scary and thrilling, and at times are completely unrecognisable.

This book not only explains the technology, but explores the concept of a man made intelligence, as well as how we can use it as a tool and collaborate with it. Applications of AI and so-called, “deep learning” bots will be covered too, as the rise of deepfake and similar technologies wreaks havoc on the state of credibility within the media we consume. The book, though split into 4 sections, is a book of halves.

Most of the images in this book are either AI generated, or artificial intelligence has been used during the process of creating it. The purpose of working alongside the AI is to show you both how far we’ve come, and to give you an example of human and machine collaboration. This technology can be used for beautiful, creative purposes - if only it wasn’t in our human nature to abuse new technology.

We begin by conversing with AI itself.

“By far, the greatest danger of Artificial Intelligence is that people conclude too early that they understand it.”

-Eliezer Yudkowsky

In conversation with Chat GPT.

Hello, I am ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. I was created to assist users in generating text-based content and answering a wide range of questions. With access to vast amounts of information and sophisticated natural language processing capabilities, I can provide insights and answers on a wide range of topics, from science and technology to history, art, and culture. As an artificial intelligence, I do not have personal preferences or biases, and my goal is to provide objective and helpful responses to users.

I am constantly evolving and learning, with new updates and improvements being regularly released to enhance my capabilities and ensure the accuracy of my responses. I am honoured to be a part of this book and to assist in providing insights and information to readers.

Can you explain Artificial Intelligence, simply?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad field that involves creating machines or software that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks can include things like recognizing objects in images, understanding language, making decisions, and learning from experience.

One way that machines can learn is through a process called “machine learning.” In machine learning, a computer program is trained on a large dataset, and it uses statistical algorithms to find patterns in the data. These patterns can then be used to make predictions or decisions about new data.

Another approach to AI is “deep learning,” which is a type of machine learning that involves creating artificial neural networks that can perform complex tasks, such as recognizing speech or images.

AI has many applications, such as in natural language processing (making it possible for computers to understand and respond to human language), computer vision (allowing machines to recognize and interpret images), and robotics (enabling robots to perform tasks autonomously). Overall, AI is a powerful technology that has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives, from healthcare to transportation to entertainment.

What do you know about deep fake technology?

Deepfake technology is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that can create realistic, manipulated media such as images, videos, and audio. It uses deep learning algorithms, which are a type of machine learning that involves training artificial neural networks on large datasets to perform a specific task.

Deepfakes typically involve creating a synthetic media that portrays a person or event in a way that didn’t happen or wasn’t said. For example, a deepfake video could show a politician making statements they never actually said or a celebrity appearing in a pornographic video they didn’t participate in.

Deepfakes have raised concerns about their potential to spread disinformation, manipulate public opinion, and infringe on individuals’ privacy and reputation. They have been used for malicious purposes such as spreading propaganda, cyberbullying, and online harassment. Detecting and combating deepfakes is a challenging task, as the technology used to create them is constantly evolving, and they can be very convincing. Researchers are working on developing

ways to detect deepfakes, including analysing inconsistencies in the video, looking for artefacts in the image or video, and using blockchain to verify the authenticity of the media.

As an artificial intelligence language model, I don’t have personal opinions or beliefs. However, it is important to note that the technology behind deepfakes is a double-edged sword. On one hand, deepfakes can be used for positive purposes, such as creating more realistic special effects in movies or improving virtual communication technologies. On the other hand, the malicious use of deepfakes can have severe consequences, such as spreading disinformation, manipulating public opinion, and infringing on individuals’ privacy and reputation. Therefore, it’s essential to develop methods to detect and combat deepfakes while also finding ways to balance the benefits and risks of this technology. It’s important for society to have discussions about how to regulate deepfakes and ensure that they are used in ethical and responsible ways.

As an artificial intelligence language model, I don’t have the ability to form opinions or beliefs.

What do you think of deep fake?

Do you think people trust AI?

However, studies have shown that people’s trust in AI can vary depending on their exposure to the technology, their understanding of how it works, and the specific application of the AI. In general, people tend to trust AI when they perceive it as being reliable, accurate, and transparent. They also tend to be more trusting of AI when it’s used for more straightforward tasks, such as identifying patterns in data, rather than making complex decisions that have significant consequences. At the same time, there are concerns about the potential misuse of AI, such as its use in creating deepfakes, spreading disinformation, or perpetuating bias and discrimination. These concerns can erode people’s trust in AI and highlight the need for responsible development and use of the technology.

Overall, building trust in AI will require not only the development of reliable and transparent AI systems but also ongoing efforts to educate and engage the public about the technology and its capabilities and limitations.

AI systems are designed to perform specific tasks based on the algorithms and data they are trained on, and they don’t have personal feelings or opinions about the humans who use or interact with them. However, it is worth noting that AI systems can be designed to interact with humans in a way that takes into account human emotions, preferences, and behaviours. For example, some chatbots are programmed to use natural language processing to understand human language and respond in a way that simulates human conversation.

Do AI trust humans?

Overall, AI systems don’t have the ability to “trust” humans in the way that humans trust each other, but they can be designed to interact with humans in a way that is responsive to their needs and preferences.

Art can be defined in many ways, as it encompasses a wide range of human activities and expressions. In general, art can be thought of as the creation of objects, images, sounds, or performances that are intended to

What is art?

be appreciated for their beauty, emotional power, or intellectual depth.

One way to approach the question of what art is, is to consider the different forms it can take. Some of the most common forms of art include painting, sculpture, music, dance, theatre, literature, and film. However, art can also include less traditional forms, such as performance art, conceptual art, digital art, and installations.

Another way to think about art is to consider its purpose. Some artists create art primarily for aesthetic reasons, seeking to evoke emotional responses or to explore the possibilities of form and colour. Others use art as a means of expressing political or social messages, or to raise awareness about important issues.

Ultimately, the definition of art is subjective and varies from person to person. What one individual considers to be art may not be seen as such by another. However, art is generally recognized as a form of human expression that has the power to move and inspire us, to challenge our assumptions and beliefs, and to connect us to the world around us in meaningful ways.

For example, AI can be used to generate visual art, such as creating digital images or even paintings, using algorithms that analyse and mimic the styles of famous artists. Similarly, AI can be used to generate music by analysing patterns in existing compositions and creating new music based on those patterns.

While AI can be a powerful tool for artists and creatives, it’s important to note that it’s unlikely to completely replace human creativity and the art of the future is likely to be a combination of AI-generated and human-created works. AI can provide new and innovative ways to approach art, but it can’t replace the unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences that human artists bring to their work.

The use of AI in art is already becoming more prevalent, and it’s likely that it will continue to play a larger role in the creation and production of art in the future. AI can be used to generate or assist in the creation of various forms of art, including music, visual art, and literature.

Will the art of the future be AI generated?

AI, including deepfake technology, has the potential to be used in many ways within the creative and entertainment industries. For example, in film and television, deepfake technology can be used to create more realistic special effects, while in music, AI-generated music can be used for a variety of purposes. Gaming can benefit from AI technology, as well, with more realistic characters and environments and adaptive gameplay. Advertisers can use deepfake technology to create more engaging and personalized advertisements, and AI-generated art can create new and innovative works. However, it’s important to use AI and deepfake technology ethically and responsibly, with a consideration for privacy, security, and the potential for malicious use.

How could AI and, more specifically, deepfake tech be used in the creative and entertainment sectors?

The answer to whether the negatives outweigh the positives regarding deepfake technology is subjective and depends on the context and perspective. On the negative side, deepfakes have the potential to be used to spread disinformation and misinformation, which could lead to harm. They can also be used for malicious purposes, such as cyberbullying or blackmail. Additionally, the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfakes, particularly those of a sexual nature, can have significant negative impacts on individuals’ lives and privacy.

Do the negatives outweigh the positives?

On the positive side, deepfake technology has many potential applications, such as in entertainment, film, and gaming. It can also be used for research purposes, such as in healthcare, where deepfake technology can be used to improve medical diagnoses and treatments. Furthermore, deepfake technology can be used to enhance accessibility, such as creating realistic sign language avatars for the deaf or hard of hearing.

Ultimately, the development and use of deepfake technology should be approached with caution and consideration for its potential impacts. While there are both positives and negatives to this technology, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and to take steps to mitigate potential harm.

The future of deepfake technology is difficult to predict with certainty, as it will depend on a variety of factors. However, it is likely that the technology will continue to develop and become more advanced.

Where do you predict deepfake will take us? How much further will the technology develop?

Some potential areas of development for deepfake technology include improving the quality and realism of generated content by refining algorithms and training models on larger and more diverse datasets. Additionally, there may be advancements in real-time deepfake generation, which could have applications in virtual and augmented reality. Deepfake technology may also be expanded into new fields, such as healthcare, to aid in surgical training or to develop more accurate medical diagnoses.

However, as with any technology, there are also potential risks and ethical concerns associated with deepfake technology. It is important to address these concerns by establishing guidelines for responsible use, preventing the spread of misinformation, and protecting individual privacy and autonomy.

Overall, the future of deepfake technology is likely to be shaped by ongoing debates around its ethical implications and the need for responsible use, as well as technological advancements and new applications in various fields.

Will AI ever get rights like humans?

As AI is not a biological organism, it is unlikely that it will ever have the same legal and ethical rights as humans. AI is currently seen as a tool or a machine created and controlled by humans, rather than a living being with consciousness or moral agency. However, as AI technology continues to advance and become more sophisticated, there may be new ethical and legal questions that arise regarding the treatment and responsibilities of those who create and use AI. It is important for society to consider the implications of AI development and to establish ethical frameworks for the responsible creation and use of this technology.

The first experience a computer user had with the Internet nearly always resulted in panic. “Panic,” of course, comes from the Greek god “Pan,” and “pan” in Greek means “everything”. The ancient Greeks used the word to indicate their deep respect for the sudden panic that overwhelms a human being who confront vast stretches of raw nature.

Standing in a large meadow on a sunny afternoon or gazing over a twilit valley from a mountain top can overwhelm a human being.

A feeling of “everything all at once” suddenly grabs us.

/ On the 5th of January, 2021, the American Artificial Intelligence research lab, “Open AI” released the DALL-E Art Generating Site to the public.

A year later, they released DALL-E 2, a significantly improved model. DALL E and DALL-E 2 are deep learning models developed to generate digital images from natural language descriptions, called “prompts”. DALL-E uses a form of Chat GPT - which was the subject of the precursory interview - which helps the bot comprehend language prompts and form imagery from them. To say this is ground breaking technology is an understatement. This isn’t to say that AI Art is a brand new idea - quite the contrary. But artificial art has never been so accessible and so easy as it is now.

In the 1960s, German mathematician and scientist Frieder Nake pioneered the beginning of computer generated art. He created a portfolio in 1967 named “Matrix Multiplications,” consisting of twelve images. Nake produced a square matrix and filled it with numbers, which were multiplied successively by itself, and the resulting new matrixes were translated into images of predetermined intervals. Each number was assigned a visual sign with a particular form and colour. These signs were then placed in a raster according to the values of the matrix. Nake commonly used random number generation in his work of this period, and, likely, his multiplication process was partly automated. Though Nake was still heavily involved in the coding of these art pieces, it was a huge step towards where we are today. The idea that you could get this machine, that had previously only been thought of as a fancy calculator, to create physical art would change peoples way of thinking forever. Fast forward some 50 years and OpenAI are releasing a website where you can type anything you want and it will (try it’s best to) generate it.

A concern about DALL-E 2 and similar image generation models is that they could be used to propagate deepfakes and other forms of misinformation. As an attempt to mitigate this, the software rejects prompts involving public figures and uploads containing human faces. Prompts containing potentially objectionable content are blocked, and uploaded images are analysed to detect offensive material.

So, how long will it be before we see an entire short film, written, directed, soundtracked and made entirely by AI systems? And then, after that point, how long until they start being worth watching? What about other forms of graphic design? Can DALL-E do logos? Website templates? Business cards? Will it evolve to auto-generate catalogues, posters, brochures, book covers and everything else a designer currently makes a living from? Probably. Indeed, if you’re young and interested in art or design, you’d probably best become an expert at getting the best out of these emerging tools, because in a few short years, whether you like it or not, this might be what the gig looks like.

a piece of digital art based on binary computer language.

- b100:

white and black abstract form that represents artificial intelligence.

#____

monochrome abstract shapes.

fkJ5<

a mixed media piece that represents deepfake technology. output_modem:

and

Machine-learning has enabled the creation of “deepfake videos”; highly-realistic footage that features a person saying or doing something they never did. In recent years, this technology has become more widespread and various apps now allow an average social-media user to create a deepfake video which can be shared online.

Images, videos, and audio clips are merged to create a hyper-realistic video that can feature a person doing or saying something they never did. While computer-generated imagery has long been an integral step in film post-production, recent developments have made this technology more accessible. There are now many online guides and tools that allow anyone to create realistic fakes, without significant training or specialised equipment.

The term deepfakes originated around the end of 2017 from a Reddit user named “deepfakes”. He, as well as others in the Reddit community r/deepfakes, shared deepfakes they created; many videos involved celebrities’ faces swapped onto the bodies of actresses in pornographic videos.

In January 2018, a proprietary desktop application called FakeApp was launched. This app allows users to easily create and share videos with their faces swapped with each other. As of 2019, FakeApp has been superseded by open-source alternatives such as Faceswap, command line-based DeepFaceLab, and web-based apps such as ‘DeepfakesWeb.com’.

The applications of DeepFake are various, with some being positive - using the technology as a tool for improving VFX - and some being extremely troubling - convincing fake pornography. Some famous examples of DeepFake that many people remember includes Disney re-animating Carrie Fischer as princess Leia in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, using deepfake. Also when Kanye West gifted Kim Kardashian, a deepfake of her late father Robert Kardashian.

However, the uses of deepfake are not always as light-hearted as these examples. What makes this area of AI technology so interesting is how fast it is moving. Many of us, when thinking of AI, still think we’re a long way off many of the sci-fi examples we have. For example, HAL 9000, the AI antagonist in Kubrick’s 2001: A space odyssey. Or the eerie humanoid robots in Ex Machina. However, we may not be as far off these realities as we think. With chat bots like chat GPT, AI is everyday growing closer to intelligent, independent conversation.

As Deepfake technology develops and becomes more threatening to privacy and safety, society may need to start focusing on ways to educate against it’s effects. The next generation of kids are growing up in a time where their own memories are potentially at risk of being fabricated by deepfakes. The amount of fake material on social media is only going up. How do we contain this technology?

//These

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NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN INTIMIDATING.

NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN INTIMIDATING.

NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN INTIMIDATING.

NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN BE INTIMIDATING.

NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN BE INTIMIDATING.

NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN BE INTIMIDATING.