I was having a discussion with someone who isn’t at all involved in tech. Aside from the user side of things. Naturally, the topic turned to AI.
For the most part, people are familiar with generative AI, and that has become the general reference to AI. As compared to, say, agentic AI.
A comment I made seemed to light up her eyes. As if an epiphany just hit her. I said that generative AI is a race to the bottom, and that the average person using it, produces output that looks cheap and fake.
Cheap & Fake
As I thought about this, I began to have my own clarity about generative AI.
It’s all counterfeit.
Unfortunately, more small businesses are deploying AI generated material in their marketing efforts. What they don’t realize is the negative impact it is having on their brand: an association with cheap and fake.
My dad’s work sometimes took him to South Korea. He would often come back home with gifts from the open markets. The Bazaars. These places were full of counterfeit knock-offs of brand name sports apparel and more. I would‘ve never known, had I not been told. Until things started to unravel.
Remember the stereotypical street vendor trying to sell you a fake Rolex or Gucci bag? That’s how I think about generative AI now. And that’s why it has a name: AI slop. Deservedly so.
More importantly, one of the issues that is starting to sort itself out is the user base for generative AI.
What does this say about the person?
There are people who want cheap and fake, and people who still value real authenticity.
Surfing Geckos
I remember my first try at generative AI. I attempted three iterations of a surfing gecko (inspired by a children’s book I’d read to my kids back in the day). The outcome made me laugh and prompted me to create a badge.
I think it’s time to start using it.