Gaming fans criticise AI generated content.AI-generated cover art for Square Enix's 2024 release "Foamstars" was described as lifeless and soulless. Reviews called out the company for phoning it in with AI rather than investing in real artists. Activision's promotional materials were called "AI slop", and franchises were criticised for relying on synthetic creativity instead of the human touch fans expect. This is no isolated sentiment; across the board, across industries, and across generations, people agree AI-generated content lacks authenticity and emotional resonance. Up to 45% of Gen Z and 44% of Boomers oppose the use of AI in advertising, CivicScience found. This growing resentment fits perfectly with the Gartner Hype Cycle, which suggests AI is entering the trough of disillusionment. In this phase, inflated expectations give way to skepticism and disappointment. AI has value in areas like data analysis, personalization and workflow automation. But creative applications are different. If audiences don’t trust AI-generated music, art or writing, they won’t engage with it, no matter how advanced the technology becomes. Steve Bevilacqua at MarTech says we won't stop using AI, but we must be sensitive. He recommends: "It’s not enough to bolt on AI as a novelty to cut costs or speed up time to market. We must ensure that AI use respects the value of human creativity." AI can be a powerful tool, but it should not overshadow the human elements audiences crave. |
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Language platform reverses AI policy because long-time learners say no (or non, or nein)To be clear: DuoLingo CEO and co-founder Luis von Ahn does not see AI as replacing what people do. CEO and co-Founder of DuoLingo Luis von Ahn announced on Linkedin his clarification about AI. "I've always encouraged our team to embrace new technology (that’s why we originally built for mobile instead of desktop), and we are taking that same approach with AI. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI now, we can stay ahead of it and remain in control of our own product and our mission." "To be clear: I do not see AI as replacing what our employees do (we are in fact continuing to hire at the same speed as before). I see it as a tool to accelerate what we do, at the same or better level of quality." "The people who work here are what make Duolingo successful." This clarification? Completely reversed von Ahn's position a week before. On April 28th, he announced Duolingo would remove contractors where AI can handle their work. And, "headcount will only be given if a team cannot automate more of their work" (meaning: team leaders will not be able to hire for a new position unless they prove AI can't do their job). He also said on a podcast that AI would be able to teach any subject, at a great scale, and create better outcomes than human teachers. What changed? "I did not expect the amount of blowback," von Ahn told the Financial Times. "Every tech company is doing similar things… we were open about it." "AI first means people last," said one comment on the Linkedin post. Another said, "I can't support a company that replaces humans with AI." But on TikTok, the tsunami of comments was strong - on every single video after the announcement. For example: On a video with the "Mama, may I have a cookie" trend:“Mama, may I have real people running the company 💔” (69,000 likes). On a video about How To Train Your Dragon character Hiccup: "Was firing all your employees and replacing them with AI also a hiccup?"
The response on social media was so scathing they shut down their TikTok (6.7 million followers) and Instagram (4.1 million followers)... then posted this one really weird video. No one understood what was going on. While Magnus919 on Reddit noted the quality of recent lessons felt off: "Those human translators and cultural experts they fired? They're the ones that actually understand that "I'm pregnant" doesn't translate the same way in every Spanish-speaking country, or that some phrases will get you weird looks… it doesn't know that calling your teacher "tu" instead of "usted" might be disrespectful in some places... ...These cultural nuances aren't extra fluff - they're literally what makes you sound like a human instead of Google Translate." Two months ago, von Ahn had said: "There's something else that drives me: building a company where people genuinely love coming to work." |
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Financial app reverses AI policy because customers want to talk to a real person.Klarna - "favourite guinea pig" of OpenAI, the company whose AI assistant replaces 700 full-time (human) agents - now stresses the importance of humans in customer service. "AI solves the easy stuff - our experts handle the moments that matter," says Klarna spokesperson Clare Nordstrom. "AI gives us speed. Talent gives us empathy. Together, we can deliver a service that's fast when it should be, and empathetic and personal when it needs to be." Klarna is now recruiting human workers with a flexible, remote setup: gig workers can log in to talk to customers from their homes. "From a brand perspective… I just think it's so critical that you are clear to your customer that there will always be a human if you want," says Siemiatkowski. "Really investing in the quality of human support is the way of the future for us." This completely reversed Klarna's position two years before. In 2023, Siemiatkowski told CEO Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) "I want Klarna to be your favourite guinea pig." He also said, "AI can already do all of the jobs that we, as humans, do." The jobs? Klarna's AI assistant powered by OpenAI is: Doing the equivalent work of 700 full-time agents On par with human agents on customer satisfaction scores More accurate in errand resolution, leading to 25% less repeat inquiries Resolving errands in less than 2 mins (compared to 11 mins previously) Estimated to drive US$40 million in profit to Klarna in 2024 Massively improving communication with immigrant and expat communities in more than 35 languages.
OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap said, "Klarna is at the very forefront among our partners… unlocking the vast potential for AI to boost productivity and improve our day-to-day lives." What changed? Customers wanted to talk to a real person. Despite impressive efficiencies… this shift highlights the need to speak to a human in customer service. Julie Geller, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group, says AI is a supplement, not a replacement. "AI should augment human agents - not replace them," said Geller. "Automate the routine to drive efficiency, but always ensure customers have a clear, easy path to a human, especially when emotions or complexity come into play." "As it turns out, leaving your already-frustrated customers to deal with a slop-spinning algorithm isn't exactly best practice," says Joe Wilkins at Futurism. "Executives in every industry, from news media to fast food, seem to think AI is ready [to replace people] - an attitude more grounded in investor relations than an honest assessment of the tech - [but] there are growing signs that robot chickens are coming home to roost."
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The answer is in your own Arcane Energy System[AD] When you're overextended, overwhelmed and desperate for something to ease the load - Perplexity provides a tempting proposition to answer your complex questions and help you manage your many commitments. But, the real answer is revealed when you look inwards. Inspired by Spoon Theory, Dungeons & Dragons and energy work, Melissa Cox has made the Arcane Energy System. Let's cast a spell out of burnout, gamify mindfulness and find ways to be intentional with a realistic capacity each day. |
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"I am just a human being trying to make it in a world that is rapidly losing its understanding of being human." John Trudell. Acclaimed poet, recording artist, actor, speaker. Indigenous activist & spokesperson for Indian of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island 1969-71. |
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