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Can machines really be creative? Or are they just exceptionally good at remixing human ingenuity? It’s a debate as old as, well, AI itself.

Let’s start with definitions. Creativity, the experts say, is the ability to generate something original and valuable. But that’s where the challenge lies: what counts as “original”? The human brain is hardly a blank slate – it absorbs influences, reconfigures them, and occasionally produces a stroke of genius. Machines, on the other hand, digest data, spot patterns, and churn out an output that is sometimes shockingly… inventive. The difference? Humans tell themselves compelling stories about where their ideas come from. Machines just execute.

Consider the AI-written novel, the algorithmic painting, or the deep-learning jazz improvisation. These works have fooled critics, won competitions, and even moved people emotionally. But are they true creativity, or are they just well-disguised mimicry? Both perspectives have strong arguments in their favor. 

For centuries, creativity has been compared to a flash of insight, a lightbulb moment. A sudden spark in the human mind, seemingly out of nowhere. But here’s where AI gets interesting. Modern language models such as GPT-4, Gemini or Claude, with their billions of parameters, also produce unexpected leaps – an uncanny, almost spooky ability to connect unrelated concepts in novel ways.

Is it intuition? Hardly. But is it different from how humans create? Not as much as we’d like to think. The human brain is just another pattern-recognition machine, only a messier, more emotional one.

A University of Milan study (in which I took part) once classified human creativity into three metaphorical categories:

1. The birth process. Some creative people experience their work as a long, painful gestation. (That’s a very human thing: good luck convincing a neural network to suffer for its art.)

2. Lego blocks. Others see creativity as assembling existing ideas in new ways. AI thrives here, recombining data tirelessly at inhuman speeds.

3. The lightbulb. And then there’s the lightning strike of inspiration, which, surprisingly, AI also exhibits in its own cold, calculated way.

Sure, machines are unlikely to compose Hamlet out of sheer existential impulse; but they can certainly spin an original sonnet from a brew of Shakespearean readings. Does it matter whether creativity comes with a tortured soul or a well-tuned algorithm? That depends on how romantic you are about the whole thing.

Perhaps the real question isn’t whether machines can be creative, but whether we’re willing to call what they do creativity. The knee-jerk reaction is to dismiss AI as an imitator, but human innovation has always built upon itself. No artist creates in a vacuum, no scientist formulates theories without predecessors, and no musician invents an entirely new melody out of thin air.

Maybe the ability to create truly original things (rather than copies) will always remain a unique prerogative of humankind. Or maybe creativity isn’t a divine gift exclusive to humans but just a process – one that machines, in their own misterious way, are increasingly learning to master. Time will tell.

Note:

This newsletter is written in collaboration and constant dialogue with several AI tools, which I describe in my books as “today’s best storytelling assistants”. Nonetheless, all views expressed here are my own.

In just a few years, AI has become ubiquitous. Sure, it has its drawbacks, but it also unlocks incredible opportunities you don’t want to miss.

AI is here, and it’s not quietly sitting in the corner. It’s reshaping industries, careers, and – whether you like it or not – your daily to-do list. Gone are the days when only techies talked algorithms. Now, whether you’re crunching data or crafting Instagram captions, AI will probably be your new co-worker. So how do you survive and stay relevant in this challenging new world?

First, be brave. Yes, AI can seem intimidating – like an ambitious intern who actually does know it all. But fearing AI won’t save you. Curiosity will. Instead of panicking about how robots are out to steal your job, focus on what they can’t replace – your ability to think critically, adapt, and, well, be human. AI might churn out stats in milliseconds, but it still needs you to give them meaning.

Then, treat your brain like a computer: always look for the next update. AI evolves fast, so hit refresh on your skills as often as you can. Today’s “must-have” AI tool could be tomorrow’s obsolete gadget, so keep learning. Whether it’s an online course or just playing around with new tech, stay ahead by staying curious.

By the way, bear in mind that AI is rapidly learning to communicate with us in natural language – all languages of the world. Therefore, being unfamiliar with algorithms is no longer an excuse. Practice engaging with AI tools in any way you can, as they will soon be the go-to solution for countless tasks across all domains.

How? You don’t need to become a nerd, but you do need to get the basics. What is AI good at? Where does it fall flat on its circuits? The more you understand its quirks, the better you’ll work with it. Consider AI your overactive partner on a group project: brilliant, but sometimes clueless about real-world nuances.

Also, remember that AI doesn’t think – it calculates. That’s where you come in. Decisions about fairness, privacy, and accountability? Those are on you, not the machine. Make sure that your human judgment keeps AI in check, especially when the stakes are high.

Let’s be honest: adapting to AI isn’t going to be all smooth sailing. You might mess up. You might even get replaced (ouch). But resilience is your secret weapon. Fall, get up, repeat. After all, the future belongs to those who can handle a plot twist or two.

Finally, don’t isolate yourself. Join discussions, network with AI professionals, and absorb what the experts are saying. The more you engage, the more you’ll see that AI isn’t some shadowy overlord – it’s a tool. And like any tool, its value depends on how you use it.

The AI revolution isn’t waiting for anyone, and neither should you. With the right mindset, you won’t just survive – you’ll thrive. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the change, and remember: AI might be smart, but it’s your humanity that will always make you indispensable.

Note:

This newsletter is written in collaboration and constant dialogue with several AI tools, which I describe in my books as “today’s best storytelling assistants”. Nonetheless, all views expressed here are my own.

Big Tech is everywhere – innovating, entertaining, and, let’s face it, raking in the cash. But can it be trusted to ever balance power with responsibility?

Big Tech has never been so popular. People love it, loathe it, and can’t seem to live without it. From streamlining our lives to shaping our digital playgrounds, these tech titans have given us so much to celebrate. Yet, with great power comes great responsibility – or so the saying goes. Accountability, anyone?

Indeed, Big Tech is the epitome of cool. It’s the VIP of the digital age, its leaders being given front-row seats at presidential inaugurations like rock stars at a music award. Admired? Often. Respected? Occasionally. Criticized? Oh, endlessly. While their innovations dazzle, their bank accounts tend to provoke more eye-rolls than applause. To many, their wealth isn’t just excessive – it’s a slap in the face. In fact, Big Tech has an image problem bigger than its market cap. Trust, or the lack of it, might just be their Achilles’ heel.

Tech That Sparkles

First, let’s give credit where it’s due. Big Tech companies have revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives. They’ve connected us across continents, brought education to our fingertips, and transformed mundane tasks like shopping into an oddly satisfying one-click experience. (Who knew buying paper clips at 3 a.m. could feel so empowering?)

Think of the social good, too: AI systems diagnosing diseases early, cloud computing empowering small businesses, and digital platforms giving a voice to the voiceless. Let’s not forget the sheer entertainment value. Streaming platforms, gaming networks, virtual realities… Big Tech knows how to keep us hooked – and happy.

The Gray Areas: No Free Lunch

But let’s not pretend all this brilliance is purely altruistic. Big Tech’s currency isn’t just innovation; it’s us. Every click, every like, every late-night search feeds the machine. And that’s fine – up to a point. The question is, who’s holding the reins?

Yes, these companies provide incredible services, often for free. But we’ve all learned by now that ‘free’ always comes with a catch: your data. And while targeted ads for cat sunglasses can be amusing, the deeper implications – privacy concerns, misinformation, and the occasional ethical hiccup – are definitely worth considering.

Accountability: The Next Big Thing

Big Tech knows it needs to step up. The buzzwords are all there: transparency, responsibility, ethical AI. They’ve even launched initiatives to improve digital literacy, combat cyberattacks, and protect our privacy (sort of). And let’s be fair, many of these efforts are making a real difference.

The challenge? Accountability isn’t as flashy as launching a new gadget or platform. Regulation debates are thorny, and while Big Tech says it’s open to change, you can’t blame us for being a little skeptical. After all, it’s hard to write your own rulebook without a little bias.

How to Get There

Big Tech isn’t the villain in this story, nor is it the hero. It’s a complicated character, just like the rest of us. The services they provide are transformative, but the risks of unchecked power are equally profound. So what’s the answer? Balance.

Imagine a world where innovation flourishes but doesn’t trample over ethics. Where data is used responsibly, and transparency isn’t just a PR buzzword. It’s not an impossible dream, but it does require effort – from governments, companies, and yes, us, the users. Let’s strive to build a digital future that benefits everyone, not just a select few.

Conversational AI is making waves, engaging in increasingly nuanced and dynamic dialogues. We’ll soon live in a world populated by countless synthetic voices, like a wood alive with fireflies under the night sky.

Let’s acknowledge the strides these systems have made. Modern chatbots are far more than augmented help desks. They can banter, convey irony, and even engage in philosophical musings. Ask them to generate a haiku or weigh in on perennial debates like pineapple on pizza (yes or no), and they’ll deliver – sometimes with impressive flair.

The core challenge for their advancements lies in the subtle, almost ineffable qualities of human communication – empathy, intuition, and the ability to read between the lines. While bots excel at synthesizing data and mimicking conversational styles, they don’t yet grasp the emotional weight or cultural implications of what they say. (Although, to be fair, neither do some humans on social media.)

That said, progress is relentless. Developers are refining the systems to include better context awareness, emotion-sensing optimization, and more sophisticated conversational timing. With every iteration, these bots inch closer to seamless interaction. It’s conceivable that, in the near future, they could become indispensable for tasks requiring advanced dialogue skills, from mental health support to creative collaboration.

Will they ever truly match humans? Opinions are divided. Some foresee a future where bots are indistinguishable from people, while others argue that human communication – anchored in lived experience – will always be beyond AI’s grasp. Regardless, conversational AI doesn’t need to replace us to be valuable. As brainstorming partners, knowledge assistants, and even budding poets, chatbots already enhance the way we think, work, and communicate more than we ever imagined.

Who knew algorhytms would be the ones to remind us that words still matter?

Ah, progress. In a distant past, the greatest achievement in communication was the telegram, buzzing its dots and dashes across the globe. Today, machines don’t just send messages – they have entire conversations, and we’re not invited. Welcome to the quirky, unsettling, and dazzling world of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.

M2M is the connective tissue of the Internet of Things (IoT). Imagine fridges talking to grocery stores about milk levels, or your car telling the traffic light it’s in a hurry. It’s a little like a gossip network, but instead of rumors, it’s all about data – lots and lots of data. From industrial robots to smart homes, M2M is the secret sauce that’s making everything smarter, faster, and occasionally creepier.

The Good Stuff: Convenience on Steroids

First, the good news: M2M is here to make life easier. In factories, machines share real-time updates, ensuring production lines run smoother than an ice skater. In healthcare, wearable devices quietly monitor vital signs and whisper updates to doctors without anyone lifting a finger. Even agriculture is getting in on the act, with soil sensors chatting up irrigation systems about whether the crops are thirsty.

It’s automation at its finest. Need your house to preheat the oven because it knows you’re on your way home? Don’t worry, M2M is there for you. Want your car to warn you about an accident up ahead? M2M’s already on it. It’s like having an army of tireless personal assistants who never demand a coffee break.

But Wait, There’s a Catch

Of course, every shiny new technology has a shadow side, and M2M is no exception. Let’s start with privacy – or rather, the lack thereof. These machines may be chatting amongst themselves, but they’re also hoarding data about you. Your habits, preferences, and maybe even your poorly-hidden addiction to late-night snacks are all fair game. Who’s listening? Corporations, hackers, governments… you name it.

And then there’s security. M2M systems are only as strong as their weakest link, and with billions of devices in the mix, there are plenty of weak links. Hackers love nothing more than turning your smart toaster into a weaponized bot soldier. Yes, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds – until it’s not.

Ethical Whirlwinds and Job Jitters

Let’s not forget the ethical dilemmas. Machines making decisions about humans? It’s happening. Autonomous vehicles deciding who gets priority in an unavoidable crash scenario. Smart surveillance systems flagging “suspicious” behavior. These are no longer the stuff of science fiction.

And what about jobs? M2M is automating tasks at a breakneck pace, leaving many wondering if their careers are next on the chopping block. Sure, someone needs to program and maintain these systems, but that’s cold comfort if you’re displaced by a machine that works faster and cheaper than you. 

So, What Now?

M2M isn’t inherently good or evil – it’s just a tool. A powerful one, yes, but whether it builds or destroys depends on how we use it. Transparency, robust security, and ethical guidelines are essential if we’re to harness its potential without succumbing to its pitfalls. In the meantime, approach M2M with a mix of awe and skepticism. Celebrate the smart conveniences, but keep an eye on the risks. And possibly, don’t let your fridge know too much about you – it might tell the dishwasher.