Here’s what AI can't replace (an artist’s take)
What makes us human? In my post on technology and creativity, I talked about the collaborative relationship between humans and AI (fears about AI limiting creativity is ironic since limits spark creativity). In this post, I want to look closer at humans in an AI world.
I guess all the core parts of our humanity (some of which we try to avoid) are exactly what AI can’t replace. So maybe we should be focusing on them more…infusing them into whatever thing you do.
Maybe AI is giving us an opportunity to actually be more human.
I don’t have all the answers—barely a single one. But I’m focusing on leveraging human traits in my work (which is creative stuff), because it feels right.
This is an ongoing list of (what I believe to be) AI-proof.
1. Nervousness
Overcoming something that makes you nervous or fearful is untouchable. It’s a human rite of passage.
AI can’t take away the nervousness of putting yourself out there or pursuing your big dreams. And if it does, you’re probably using too much of it.
Because the sense of reward and growth you get from overcoming things that make you nervous is a human gift.
It’s the first time playing a show live.
Butterflies before a performance.
Giving a speech or presentation.
Asking out that person you sorta like.
It’s being in the unknown and letting go of control. Things might fail (they often do). But win or lose, you come out stronger.
The gift of nervousness can be wielded, like going to the gym of life. It’s a signal that the pain you’re about to endure is probably worthwhile (and outside of your comfort zone). And you can’t outsource it to AI.
If you do (too much, too often), then you’re not growing.
AI can’t should never replace this kick-ass, slightly annoying human experience of nervousness.
2. Awkwardness. Vulnerability.
The other night, I was walking in Shinjuku. Staring at my phone (and not looking where I was going), I walked right into a dang bollard.
You know, those short cement post things coming out of sidewalks (ironically, I used AI to find this term).
Nobody noticed…I think. But it was awkward.
It was human.
This is a shared experience and something I don’t think AI quite gets. Awkwardness is human. And it makes us all relatable.
I mean, head over to Kookslams and indulge in some epic falls. Nobody is immune to the occasional ego hit!
I’m talking tripping on some stairs in public.
Toilet paper on the pants.
Singing loud in the car when you suddenly notice the person next to you laughing.
But it’s also stuff like talking to a camera in public to grow your vlog. Or the cringe of showing up online and pursuing your passion. Being vulnerable.
When I really pour my heart and soul into a song, it takes confidence. I’m sharing a very personal part of me (usually something I’d hidden for years)…and that’s hard.
Vulnerability is such a human strength. A skill that can’t be outsourced or automated.
Like nervousness, awkwardness and vulnerability are human rites of passage. And they make your work (especially creative work) stronger and more relatable.
Maybe this is what’s missing in AI creations…that “soul” part people talk about.
Because when it’s too easy and takes all the parts that should be played by you, it’s not vulnerable anymore.
3. Intuitive hits
I’m pretty sure intuition is uniquely human.
Because sometimes (often), my intuition goes against everything I think I know. All my “training” and experiences are telling my logical brain to do something one way.
But my stupid gut—damn him—is whispering “…go the other way.”
What is that?
Who is that?
AI wouldn’t do that…I mean, unless you train it to be that way I guess. But still, there’s something almost spiritual about human intuition (and not in a religious way).
It’s like we’re the quantum computers we so desperately want to create. You’re already tapped into the energy fields. You just need to open your perception to them.
It’s getting woo in here—but whatever, quantum physics is a thing.
Check out my post on mindset facts to dig deeper into the power of the mind, energy and all that jazz.
4. Love
Big shoutout to love.
Love is nuanced and layered. There’s romantic love, family love, friendships…love for your craft. Love for yourself. When you operate from a place of genuine love, the work is better. Emotions drive creativity in surprising beautiful ways.
Purely robotic creations lack heart. Even with the best prompt, there’s something missing and that’s often felt.
Plus, there are some ethical issues I can’t get over—like AI companies making billions on the back of creators and artists who never get compensated.
Being too fast, too cheap and too perfect takes away the human element. Creative patience and sacrifice shouldn’t be deleted.
And love is the reason we show up and endure the pain of the process.
Why do musicians still sit in turmoil and struggle through sleepless nights to find the perfect melody or lyrics when Suno or ChatGPT could just do the work for you?
Why do writers spend hours writing multiple versions and rough drafts before landing on something somewhat good?
Love.
Love for the craft, for the art…for the process and the pain.
AI doesn’t get this. And if you use AI to replace that, you’re missing out on something beautiful.
5. Reality
The feeling of swimming through water. Wind hitting your face. Seeing Tokyo firsthand.
AI can’t replace real lived experiences. And even if VR/AR/whatever gets that good, should it ever replace the real thing?
Outsourcing experience to a cheap digital translation isn’t that cool. Or fun.
Reality (even stupid moments like picking out the perfect avocado) are human.
6. Death, meaning + purpose
Technically, AI is immortal (or has the capacity to be so).
So even if it were to become sentient, our human experience of purpose and meaning in life would remain uniquely ours.
Why does an artist dedicate their whole life to painting, even if nobody’s buying?
What drives an entrepreneur to spend decades building an idea that nobody believes in?
You have a set amount of time for this specific body and lifetime (let’s not get into the quantum thermodynamic case for reincarnation). So, given this body and this life, what will you do?
What’s your grand gesture?
Actually, it doesn’t need to be grand. Maybe fishing in a sleepy coastal town is your truest ikigai. That’s beautiful.
But that just proves my point more. Why invest decades into something like this?
Humans will keep the complexities of meaning and purpose.
7. You
Want to really know what AI can’t replace? It’s you.
In the same way that nobody can show up online quite like you, AI can’t fully do what you do or create how you create.
Even if you create an AI that perfectly copies you, you’ll still evolve as a human…growing and pivoting in new (often unpredictable) directions.
Your life, interests, skills and experiences compound in unique ways. Sometimes, it’s hard to see how those dots connect until later.
AI will help automate shit, sure. But you still need to play your role in this movie.
(that’s a good thing—we need you)
Later ✌️
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