692. What Will A.I. Do to (and for) Human Creativity?

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping human creativity, acting as both a powerful tool and an existential threat to traditional livelihoods. Kevin Kelly envisions an "exo-self"—an always-on AI agent that functions as an intimate partner, advisor, or twin to enhance human productivity. While creators like Eline Van der Velden utilize AI to develop digital performers like Tilly Norwood, this shift faces intense scrutiny from industry professionals. Sean Astin, representing SAG-AFTRA, highlights the severe economic impact on performers and the ethical concerns regarding the use of uncompensated data to train models. Meanwhile, Wharton professor Ethan Mollick argues that AI serves as a complex partner in the creative process, requiring humans to leverage deep knowledge, taste, and agency to remain relevant. This technological transition forces a reevaluation of what it means to be creative in an era where machines can mimic human expression.