NEW WORLDS, NEW ETHICS

Our first-ever Vox Alumni poll gathers your opinions on how AI-created art and the metaverse impact creativity, authenticity and the blurring of lines between the physical and the virtual.

AS TECHNOLOGY BECOMES INCREASINGLY UBIQUITOUS, ethical considerations have emerged as an important topic that can no longer be ignored. For example, the use of technology in creative fields — such as art created by artificial intelligence (AI) — raises questions about the role of advanced digital tools in artistic expression and the relationship between humans and machines. Similarly, using real and fake identities in the metaverse has prompted urgent discussions around privacy, consent and authenticity.

The complex and multifaceted debate involves various stakeholders, including technology companies, policymakers and the general public. In this inaugural Vox Alumni column, we explore opinions among the NUS community on the ethical implications of these two digital frontiers.

In doing so, we seek to better understand the attitudes towards these technologies and their impact on society, and shed some light on prevailing views on AI-created art and the metaverse to promote an informed discussion about the responsible use of technology in the digital age.

DOES AI-CREATED ART DEVALUE ART AND CREATIVITY?

“On the contrary, AI will increase value of art by heightening awareness and providing more access to collectors and a stronger means of authentication through blockchain technology.”

“No, though some might use it in devaluing ways. Depending on what it does, it could engender more creativity, promote art and make it more accessible. It is wonderful.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE METAVERSE AND AVATARS?

“The metaverse is a fictional concept. There is only one world, and that is the physical world that we live in. Most people use online identities to mask their true identities to be unfiltered and free.”

“It is an unexplored dimension that would be good to venture into. However, we will need some regulation in this space.”

“It allows people to hide behind a façade, resulting in malicious online activities, such as cyberbullying. It can also give them an anonymous voice to speak up on issues they cannot discuss in real life.” increase the awareness collectors authentication technology.”

“AI-generated art lacks the human touch and emotional depth that comes from the artist’s lived experience and creative process.”

“The metaverse is a form of creative expression and a whole new platform for engagement and interaction.”

“Online identities allow users to explore different aspects of themselves, experiment with different personas and connect with like-minded individuals.”

WHICH OF THESE EXAMPLES HAS ETHICAL CONCERNS?

“No, it’s just a different technology with a different set of implications, questions of authorship and authorial intent.”

The term “AI-driven problem-solver” sums up Mr Wang Weimin perfectly. He burnished these credentials at the Trusted Media Challenge in 2022, where he took home the top prize for developing an AI model that can identify disinformation. He is committed to furthering this cause through his work at ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind TikTok.