Generative AI should be used to transform society, not put dogs in Van Gogh paintings

As a technology journalist, I am open to technological change and the impact of it. But the recent rise of generative AI has left me with a lack of galvanized enthusiasm.

This is not necessarily down to the existential threat generative AI can have on ‘content’ – a big part of my job – and various jobs, art forms, information decimation, and more. Instead, my lackluster view on AI stems from a feeling that it should be pushed further to augment human experiences and society instead of simply taking on usually human-centric work.

Don’t get me wrong, generative AI can do some very useful things; I’ve been impressed with AI-powered transcription and live translation. I also appreciate the likes of Google’s Magic Eraser when it comes to removing unwanted objects from photos. And AI can help with one’s day-to-day organization.

On top of this, Google ...