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Is This The Real Reason AI Will Never Replace Us?
Web3, AI and the creator economy in under 3 minutes per week!
Today’s newsletter theme feels especially fitting as I write this from a quaint farmhouse on a hillside overlooking Tuscany, Italy. Yes, life is good—I'm incredibly fortunate. That said, while it may not look that way on Instagram, I also face challenges and uncertainties. Let's just say you don’t want to see my bank account or my personal life right now, but I digress. When navigating tough times or life's extremes, I try to imagine that when I’m 90, I’ll look back and think, “Wow, I got through that—and what stories I have to tell! What a life!”
This brings me to an article that recently caught my attention. Ted Chiang’s latest piece in The New Yorker explores why AI won’t create art—at least, not in the way we currently think of it. He points out that art is born from choices—thousands of them, made by real people with lived experiences and emotions. While AI can generate stories or images, it lacks true intention and inspiration. It doesn’t feel. It doesn’t choose with purpose; it simply auto-completes based on patterns, not passion.
I actually asked ChatGPT40 its thoughts on this perspective, and here’s what it had to say:
It's also worth considering that AI's role in art and creativity is evolving. AI can assist or collaborate in the creative process, often leading to unexpected or innovative outcomes, but it doesn't create art in the same sense that humans do—at least not yet. The depth, emotion, and intent behind human art stem from lived experiences, which are currently beyond AI's capabilities. That said, the distinction between human and AI-created art may blur further as AI tools advance, but the essence of human creativity will likely remain unique due to its foundation in personal experience, emotion, and intentionality.
My hot take🔥: In this age of AI, what truly sets you apart is your unique story—your lived, unfiltered view of the world. Chiang notes that while AI might improve at mimicking styles or producing content, it won’t create anything truly original or meaningful. Why? Because it lacks your lived experience, your failures, your successes—everything that makes you you.
I’m working on a book proposal right now, and I expressed concern to the person helping me about other books coming out on similar themes. I had even used AI to make tweaks to my content, which made me worry further. She reminded me, "Your story is yours. Only you have lived your life." That statement hit me hard. It’s so easy to undermine our own experiences, but it’s true. Your journey is unique. You can’t auto-complete your truth, and you can’t outsource your experience.
As tempting as it might be to have AI or someone else ghostwrite my work, there’s something about authenticity when it comes directly from me.
So, here’s the message: Be bold, take risks, fail, learn, and grow. Be curious, and make the choices only you can make. Feel it all and write it down. Don’t forget who you are and what you’ve been through. That’s what brings value in the age of AI—your unique perspective, your truth, your story. And that’s something AI can never replicate.
Chiang argues that AI will always miss the mark because it lacks the intention to communicate or the desire to connect. Let this be a reminder to go out there, lean in, and live your life fully. Every moment, every decision, every experience adds to the story only you can tell. And that's where your real power lies.
Other headlines to check out:
Web3
Creator Economy
You’ll soon be able to leave comments on Instagram Stories posts - The Verge
An M&A spree in influencer marketing is bolstering the creator economy. These 15 deals show what's selling and why. - Business Insider
All You Need to Know about TikTok Sensation Tareasa Johnson’s “Who TF Did I Marry?” TV Adaptation - WhatsTrending
AI
I'm really into RockWater's newsletter lately. Besides giving the scoop on the latest acquisitions happening in the creator economy, they also share the latest trends in digital media and innovation. It's worth a look if you're interested in these topics!
Gentle reminder 🤲
If you’re unhappy with where you are, you have the power to leave or change your perspective.
If you wait too long, life might make the choice for you.
Don’t be surprised when it does.
Remember, I'm Bullish on you!
With gratitude,