How Can we Use AI to Make a Positive Impact?

Feb 16

When I was in Design School I often wondered how amazing it would be to work with a computer that would allow me to bring the ideas in my head to life, without the hustle of drawing, painting, writing, building or coding it myself. Now 15 years later, I can say with certainty that this time has arrived.

AI-generated images by Juliëtte Schraauwers ©

It’s not a picture, It’s AI

The image you see above is not a picture showing a real woman, it is created with AI. I’ve created a series of images called ‘Mother Earth’. By writing down the right ‘prompts’ AI is able to create the most amazing things.

Hyper Realistic Images

Of all the applications of artificial intelligence (AI), one of the most fascinating is the ability to create images that are both visually stunning and incredibly realistic. AI-generated images can be used for everything from video game design and special effects in movies to generating medical images for diagnostic purposes and creating realistic models for architectural or engineering projects.

The Positive and Negative Side

However, as with any technological innovation, the widespread adoption of AI-generated images will have both positive and negative impacts on society. In this blog post, we will explore both the opportunities and challenges that AI-generated images present, as well as their potential impact on the creative industry and the labour market as a whole.

The Potential Benefits

First, let's take a look at some of the potential benefits of AI-generated images. One of the most significant advantages of this technology is that it allows for the creation of incredibly detailed and realistic images that would be difficult or even impossible to create using traditional methods. For example, AI algorithms can be trained on vast amounts of data to generate images that mimic the natural world with incredible accuracy or create entirely new worlds that are entirely different from anything we've seen before.

Another significant advantage of AI-generated images is that they can be created much more quickly and efficiently than traditional methods. This is because the algorithms used to generate these images can run in parallel on powerful computer clusters, allowing for the creation of vast numbers of images in a short amount of time. This could be particularly beneficial in industries where time is of the essence, such as video game design or movie special effects.

How did I create these images? Well, it’s not rocket science. First of all, I used Midjourney, an AI tool that you can try for free. The human aspect of the creation process is writing the ‘right’ prompt or description of what you want AI to create.
The more specific you are, the better your result will be. On the other hand, being less specific can also surprise you, because AI will give you something you could not imagine yourself. Is it perfect? No. But it triggers my imagination as a Visionary, Strategist and Entrepreneur to explore this new way of creating. Images can speak a thousand words, and help us to imagine what is possible if we set our mind to it. This might help us to speed up the transition towards a more regenerative, holistic and sustainable world.

AI gone wrong - images by Juliëtte Schraauwers ©

The Potential Downside

However, there are also some potential downsides to the widespread adoption of AI-generated images. One of the most significant concerns is that this technology could lead to job losses in certain industries, particularly those that rely heavily on manual labor or traditional artistry. For example, if AI-generated images become widespread in the advertising industry, it could lead to a decline in demand for traditional graphic designers and artists.

Another potential concern is that the use of AI-generated images could lead to a lack of creativity in certain industries. This is because AI algorithms are often trained on existing data sets, meaning that they are only able to generate images that are similar to what already exists in the world. This could limit the ability of creative professionals to think outside the box and come up with truly innovative ideas.

Or will it actually lead to an increase in demand?

Despite these concerns, there are also potential solutions to these issues. For example, some experts suggest that the rise of AI-generated images could actually lead to an increase in demand for creative professionals, as companies seek out individuals who are able to work with and manipulate these images in unique and innovative ways. Additionally, there are efforts underway to develop AI algorithms that are capable of generating truly original content, which could help to mitigate the concern around creativity.

Why I think it is amazing.

The power of images cannot be overstated when it comes to shaping our perception of the world and inspiring positive change. As we strive to create a sustainable, regenerative, and holistic future, AI art can play a crucial role in helping us visualize the possibilities and potential outcomes of our efforts. By creating art that depicts a future that is not only sustainable but also beautiful and inspiring, we can spark the imagination and creativity of people around the world, and encourage them to become more engaged and proactive in making that vision a reality. AI-generated images can help us see the connections between different aspects of our ecosystem and illustrate how everything is interdependent. Through the power of visual storytelling, we can communicate complex and abstract concepts in a way that is accessible and emotionally engaging. Ultimately, this can help to speed up the transition to positive change and inspire us to work together towards a brighter future.

AI-generated images of an ecological school building by Juliëtte Schraauwers ©

If you like it or not, AI is here to stay

The rise of AI-generated images is a fascinating development that presents both opportunities and challenges for society as a whole. While there is the potential for job losses and a decline in creativity in certain industries, there are also significant benefits to this technology, including the ability to create incredibly realistic and detailed images quickly and efficiently. As we continue to explore the potential of AI-generated images, it will be important to consider these competing factors and work to develop solutions that ensure that everyone benefits from this technology.