Jules John

Humans have an inherent tendency towards creative media. Creation is central to our existence. From cave paintings and primitive sculptor to photography and virtual environments; it’s in our blood. We all consume, most of us create and we have all been a part of the evolution of creative media. The art that was only to be shared within members of an isolated tribe has snowballed into a global industry mostly concerned with the value of its intellectual property and how many people consume the media they create; how much revenue they bring in.

For the average westerner, the media they consume is manufactured by large conglomerates. Age old media forms of storytelling and music are disseminated to the bulk of society like mass culture tokens. Undoubtedly, complex mathematics already influence what we consume and what we create. Netflix as a service for consumption and a studio for creation serves as a prime example. An example of business and technology leading media creation with a guiding hand. Yet creative media has undergone centuries of change. The times; they’re still a changin’.

It is evident that we are on the brink of a new technological paradigm shift. Computers and the internet have seen a global uptacking. The next step is the exponential proliferation of artificial intelligence. Already we see robots that can perform tasks such as driving, manufacturing, and manual labour exceedingly well. Already we see robots that can create media that is indiscernible to something rooted in human creation. Robots have already overtaken a multitude of previously human industries. Why shouldn’t the creative industries be next?

Especially considering the heavy monetary incentives that underpin the creation of mass media there is little question as to whether, financially speaking, industry should offload creative roles to robots. An early example of the robot’s creative potential comes from Emily Howell, a classical composer who demonstrates exceptional musicality. A classical composer who happens to be a robot. Whilst being impressive, Howell’s compositions are simply the tip of the iceberg.

When considering robotic creation of media in the future, I think the largest factor is consumption. Virtual bands such as the Gorillaz have more than large enough followings to make this alternative feasible, but in the future of media creation, what role could the human play? It is possible to imagine a future whereby artificial intelligence can create media curated perfectly to every human beings individual desires and emotions. Media that far surpasses any conceivable human talent. Could media become a free and limitless pastime absolutely devoid of universal cultural reference? Will a robotic revolution slowly force humanity into a state where we no longer are compelled to create? The perfect film, song, novel and painting has been made. Give up, stop trying.

A problem that could stem from Emily Howell’s descendants is the question of comprehension. Will we be able to comprehend these incomprehensibly awesome creations? Furthermore, in a world post singularity, are these creations even intended for humans?