The AI made me do it.

Statement on the use of AI

In the context of growing discussions about “AI,” it is critical to have clarity in terminology. Where it’s appropriate, I prefer the term Large Language Models (LLMs) over AI. This isn't only a matter of semantics, even though I'm aware that the battle over terminology may already be lost. I’ll grudgingly call it AI for the sake of clarity. because few seem to agree with me on this, but I hope it’s understood what I actually mean.

LLMs represent a specific subset of technology, whereas “AI” is a broad, unclear, and often misused term. The distinction highlights the importance of human agency in utilizing these technologies.

“Artificial Intelligence” can be used to shift agency. Arguments like “The AI made me do it" obscure the reality that these systems are tools, controlled based on human decisions. It’s like a next-level version of selective use of the passive voice in News headlines.

No, the AI didn't make you do it. We should beware eliding responsibility for choices, as at least in their present form, these are not systems that “choose”. This is clearly the most obvious example of a kind of ‘agency laundering,’ although there are many.

Similarly, misdirecting blame towards AI for corporate decisions, such as layoffs or algorithm-based hiring, overlooks the human element in these choices. If you've wondered why so many corporations that stand to make a profit from AI seem to goad on discussions of “evil AI" and “AI run amok" as the chief risk here, this is almost certainly a big part of that. We should not be surprised at the results of misuse, nor should we attribute those results to the agency of this technology, as that is not a thing that it has.

Technology makes a convenient scapegoat because, after all, it doesn't have feelings. The tendency to offset the responsibility of leaders upon an oracle or deity is hardly a new development in society, and it is one we would be particularly wary of, if we had any sense.

There's much more I could say about misdirected anger causing more harm than good, while the areas that need more attention are often ignored. But I've already talked enough about the “bigger picture" in the context of the creative process, and my immediate concerns back in 2022.

Instead, here I'd like to clearly state how I currently look at my own use, as a freelancer, as an artist, and in those lucky cases where the two intersect:

• Where I use AI, I always use it as part of a process. Both as a freelancer and a multi-medium artist, AI is integrated as a component of a broader creative process. For example, I can’t imagine asking an LLM to “write a book for me.” I would ask it to help organize some rambling early notes on a subject into an unsorted list. Always check its outputs, and do something with it afterwards.

• This process is tailored to suit the specific intent, medium, and end-goal of each project. For tiny independent projects like this one, it can be a force multiplier, if used judiciously. We’re probably wise to worry about the ways multi-nationals are going to use it.

• I never use AI outputs blindly, but instead as a directable automation tool within the domains I've long worked in. If we fully automate our workflow without engagement, subpar results should be expected.

  Which is to say that if you automate your entire “pipeline," simply turn the machine on and walk away, don't be surprised if all that comes out the other end is shit.

• There are and will be many examples of this technology being used to produce substandard results. We should all endeavor to make sure that anything we put out is of equal or greater quality than anything we put out before AIs entered the picture.

Looking forward, as more individuals recognize the ubiquitous nature of AI in various aspects of daily life, there will likely be a growing acknowledgment that the applications and users of this technology are diverse and not uniformly effective. Some uses a boon, others a curse. So far as that goes, this understanding is not unique to AI but applies to all technological advancements. A shovel can also be used to dig a foundation, or a grave, or to put someone in one.