(Optional) For Transcript B
Good morning, everyone. Our opponents are trying to paint a rosy picture of AI in the arts, but let's be clear: AI poses a significant threat to human creativity, and we must address this head-on.
First, let's reinforce what we're talking about. We're not just discussing simple computer programs. AI refers to sophisticated systems that mimic, automate, and commodify creative processes. The "decline of human creative arts" means a reduction in the perceived value, originality, and economic viability of art created by humans. The ease of AI art generation devalues human skill. AI's algorithmic approach flattens artistic expression, and the rise of AI art leads to job displacement. To put it simply, AI fundamentally alters how we perceive and value human artistic endeavors. According to *PMC's 2023* report, the contemporary art world is a $65 billion USD market that employs millions of human artists, sellers, and collectors across the world . The rise of AI threatens this entire ecosystem.
Second, the core question isn't just about overall creativity, as our opponents suggest. It's specifically about the decline of *human* creative arts. Even if AI increases the sheer quantity of art produced, it doesn't negate the fact that it devalues human skill, homogenizes artistic expression, and displaces human artists. We must prioritize the preservation and promotion of human creativity, recognizing the unique emotional depth, personal expression, and cultural significance that only humans can bring to art.
Third, our opponents argue that AI amplifies human artists' capabilities. However, *UN Trade and Development * reported in 2024 that since 2022, generative AI systems have made significant inroads into creative industries, and predictions of massive job loss have been confirmed by repeated waves of layoffs in 2023 and 2024 across the entertainment industry . AI is not simply amplifying human capabilities; it's replacing them.
Fourth, the claim that AI augments human capabilities is too narrow. While AI *might* offer some assistance, its core function is to mimic, automate, and commodify creative processes. This automation undermines the unique skills and value of human artists. As *Matt Corrall* points out, AI models are limited by the data they are trained on and cannot truly adapt, interpret, or imagine like a human being can .
Fifth, the shift in the art market isn't simply evolution. Photography, while disruptive, found its place alongside other art forms. AI art, on the other hand, threatens to supplant human artists altogether by devaluing their skills and flooding the market with algorithmically generated content. This is a decline in the perceived value and originality of human art. As stated by *Laetro*, human artists have the ability to innovate from a blank slate, unbounded by the constraints of pre-analyzed data .
Sixth, while crafting effective prompts can enhance AI art, the fundamental issue remains: anyone can create art with AI, regardless of skill, and AI art can be produced much faster than human art. The existence of 'prompt engineers' doesn't negate the fact that AI art lowers the barrier to entry.
Lastly, the *NAEA Position Statement* states that the quality of the data used and functioning of algorithms have been shown to perpetuate racism, sexism, and ableism through AI generations, frequently harming already vulnerable and marginalized communities .
In conclusion, AI poses a real threat to human creative arts by devaluing skills, displacing jobs, and homogenizing artistic expression. We must stand firm in our support of human artists and the unique value they bring to our culture. Thank you.