Brian Eno: AI's Walking Dog

Brian Eno's essay "AI’s Walking Dog" critiques the current trajectory of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of ownership and intent behind AI technologies. He argues that the profit-driven motives of companies lead to outcomes that prioritize speed and market share over social value and security. Eno draws parallels between the development of AI and the pitfalls of social media, warning that the same profit-maximizing strategies could result in negative societal impacts. He highlights the significance of the creative process, noting that AI often lacks intentionality and provenance, which diminishes the value of its outputs. Eno expresses mixed feelings about using AI in artistic endeavors, finding it both intriguing and tedious, as it often feels like a hollow experience devoid of genuine learning. He suggests that while AI can assist artists in recognizing patterns, it requires careful prompting and filtering to yield meaningful results. Ultimately, Eno questions whether society will be as discerning about the information produced by AI as it is about the food it consumes, urging a more thoughtful engagement with the technology.

- Eno critiques the profit-driven motives behind AI development, warning of potential societal harms.

- He emphasizes the importance of intentionality and provenance in the creative process.

- Eno expresses mixed feelings about AI's role in art, finding it both useful and unsatisfying.

- The essay draws parallels between AI and the negative impacts of social media.

- Eno questions society's discernment regarding AI-generated information compared to food consumption.