The fall of creativity A librarian’s role in the world of AI

Abstract

The world is a global landscape that is forever evolving with the rise of technology, information access, and labor outsourcing. Artificial intelligence is growing exponentially in the United States, in many ways aiding in general tasks. However, generative AI is learning and developing a high rate of consciousness, which could soon replace our role as human creators. We as librarians must take a step back and reflect on the long-term effects of this technology, not just react. We must ask ourselves, what world do we want to leave for the future generations? How do we want to steer these conversations? For decades America was at the cutting edge of the industrial revolution; manufacturing plants flourished throughout the country, and creating material goods was a key component of the American Dream. With the advancements in technology, production work labor required less human intervention. Eventually most manufacturing left the United States as labor and automation could be found cheaper elsewhere.1 Yet American ingenuity and creativity remained; even flourishing in the new technology-dense landscape. With faster computers, cars, and machines, time was freed up for humans to explore their thoughts and ideas. This shift is seen through the dramatic increase of entrepreneurship, influencers, television programs, movies, artists, writers, and online creative communities. As a society we entered the age of the mind.