TL;DR Breakdown
- AI-generated music influences consumer behavior through platforms and environments like TikTok and advertisements.
- Subliminal AI-generated music makes individuals susceptible to its persuasive effects without conscious awareness.
- Education and awareness are crucial to empowering individuals to navigate and resist the manipulative techniques of AI-generated music.
According to music expert Peter Tregear, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to further intensify rampant consumerism by leveraging more subliminal manipulation techniques. Tregear, who serves as the director of Little Hall at the University of Melbourne, suggests that AI-generated music will increasingly permeate people’s lives, potentially amplifying the drive toward consumerism.
The influence of AI-generated music
AI-generated music has already found its way into online platforms, such as TikTok, as well as advertisements, documentaries, and even shopping centers where background music, commonly known as Muzak, is utilized to encourage increased purchases. The continuous connection individuals have to their devices, combined with the omnipresence of AI-generated music, exposes people to its influence almost constantly. Moreover, the seamless integration of this music into the background makes it particularly effective in shaping consumer behavior, as individuals are often unaware of its impact.
The manipulative Power of subliminal music
The subliminal nature of AI-generated music, where it “disappears” into the background, underscores its manipulative power. This quality makes it difficult for individuals to consciously perceive its influence, rendering them more susceptible to its persuasive effects. As individuals wake up to music, wear headphones throughout the day, and encounter background music in shops, they are exposed to AI-generated music without even realizing it, thereby increasing the potential for consumerist behavior.
The need for education and awareness
Peter Tregear argues that the proliferation of AI-generated music necessitates a reevaluation of music education and increased public awareness. Drawing parallels with the concerns surrounding social media, he calls for changes in the curriculum to equip children with the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to navigate and resist the manipulative techniques employed by AI-generated music. By becoming “sonically aware” or empowered, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of music and its potential influence, reducing their susceptibility to subliminal manipulation.
Recognizing the limitations of objectifying the world
As AI continues to push boundaries and permeate various aspects of our lives, it serves as a reminder of the limitations inherent in our current ways of perceiving and objectifying the world. Peter Tregear suggests that the rise of AI highlights the need for critical examination and reassessment of our relationship with technology, particularly its impact on our behavior and decision-making processes. By acknowledging these limitations, individuals and society as a whole can better navigate the challenges posed by the spread of AI-generated music and its potential to supercharge consumerism.
AI questions take the spotlight in public conversations
The introduction of ChatGPT, a widely accessible AI-powered tool capable of engaging in diverse conversations, has brought AI-related questions into the public domain. This development has prompted U.S. senators to investigate the implications of AI in society. The chatbot raises key inquiries about the impact of AI on employment, the reliability of information provided by AI chatbots, and existential concerns regarding the potential surpassing or superseding of humans, often referred to as achieving “singularity.”
Drawing parallels with cloning debate
The public debate surrounding AI echoes the discussions that emerged in 1996 when scientists successfully cloned a female sheep named Dolly. This scientific breakthrough raised questions about the possibility of human cloning. Lorraine Finlay, Australia’s human rights commissioner, has emphasized the need for regulation in the field of AI, expressing concerns about its potential misuse by individuals with “Orwellian tendencies.” The parallel between the AI debate and the cloning debate highlights the gravity and significance of the questions being posed about AI’s implications.
Some experts argue that AI poses greater risks than other mismanaged industries or technologies, such as aircraft design, production maintenance, or faulty car manufacturing. The unique danger associated with AI lies in its potential for civilizational destruction, although the probability of such an event occurring may be considered small. Nonetheless, the nontrivial possibility of AI contributing to the downfall of civilization raises profound concerns and highlights the need for careful regulation and responsible development of AI technologies.
Existential questions and the “singularity”
AI also triggers existential questions about the future relationship between humans and AI. Speculation about the potential surpassing or superseding of human intelligence, often referred to as achieving “singularity,” raises profound philosophical and ethical considerations. The debate surrounding the limits and possibilities of AI showcases society’s reflection on the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and the potential consequences of creating machines that rival or surpass human capabilities.
Conclusion
The warnings from Peter Tregear regarding the subliminal manipulation facilitated by AI-generated music emphasize the need for educational reforms and increased public awareness. By understanding the pervasive influence of AI-generated music and equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills, society can mitigate the potential negative consequences of unrestrained consumerism and develop a more informed relationship with technology.
