What Becomes Valuable When AI Makes Creative Work Easy (every.to)

In a recent discussion, Jack Cheng expands on Willem Van Lancker's notion of "productive friction," which suggests that the challenges inherent in creativity are under threat from the ease introduced by AI technologies. Cheng argues that as AI streamlines creative processes, the value in creative work will increasingly stem from an artist's unique lived experiences, referred to as "thisness." This shift emphasizes the individual perspective, suggesting that personal experiences will remain essential amid rapidly changing artistic landscapes shaped by generative AI. Cheng draws parallels between creativity and the concept of the "meta" in competitive gaming, where strategies evolve as new tools and tactics emerge. As generative AI becomes ubiquitous across creative fields, the norms and effectiveness of stylistic choices are also shifting. For instance, what was once considered compelling writing may lose its impact when overused by AI, pushing creators to explore fresh approaches that highlight their individuality. This exploration not only reflects an adaptation to AI advancements but underscores the importance of human-specific insights in maintaining the richness of creative expression.