Introduction
Throughout history, people have always wanted to express their feelings and share their inner thoughts. This expression has taken many forms, from cave paintings to ancient manuscripts. With the invention of the typewriter and later computers, sharing information became easier and more widespread. However, as we moved to digital formats, our connection to the “human” side of communication has faded, becoming more abstract. A hundred years ago, the idea of typing billions of characters on a screen with just two fingers would have seemed ridiculous. Today, it’s a normal part of life.
In the past, most information was shared in physical forms like books and letters, which provided a tangible connection to the creator. However, as we entered the digital age, that physical connection has faded, leaving behind data that is instantaneous, but not always deeply human.
The Challenge of Real Work
Since the late 20th century, especially in the 21st century, automation has been changing the nature of work. It’s becoming harder to say, “I made this with my own hands.” Tasks that used to require human effort, including creative jobs, are now being automated.
In programming, a trend called Vibe Coding has emerged, where AI handles most of the work while programmers take on a more supervisory role. Many who once viewed AI as just a tool now question their own relevance if AI can produce code in seconds that they spent years learning to write. Can you truly claim ownership of work created by a machine while you simply oversee it?
This reflects the concerns raised by the Frankfurt School, which warned that if machines can replace all types of work, labor movements won’t be revolts but rather absorbed into the system.
We are seeing a decline in physical assets, replaced by digital ones and the exploitation of digital representations. Power now lies with those who control the creation of digital identities. Supporting ethical, open-source alternatives is one way to challenge this new elite.
The Crisis in Creativity
The problem with automation is especially brutal for creative professions — designers, artists, musicians. If you can generate art in minutes using tools like Midjourney, what does that mean for the value of true artistry? There’s no deep emotion or intent behind these creations — just a surface-level product, which can only be used for ads.
We are moving toward a world where superficial content dominates, filled with quick, easily digestible information. Open TikTok or YouTube and you’re faced with an endless stream of information fast food. Meanwhile, our minds develop not in depth, but in sheer distraction and consumption.
Possible Solutions
Finding a clear and honest path forward is difficult, but here are a few ideas:
- Support Local Initiatives: Choose open-source projects and community-driven efforts over large corporations. Opt for local or free alternatives instead of subscribing to Big Tech.
- Invest in Community: Build connections within your community rather than chasing corporate success. This way, you can benefit from your own creativity rather than relying on algorithms that exploit it.
I think the real problem with automation lies in why we automate stuff. Right now, it’s all about profit and cranking out more stuff to consume. That’s just the capitalist way of thinking.
This creates a weird contradiction: you’d think that with automation, we’d have more free time to enjoy life. But in a world obsessed with endless growth, if you’re not constantly producing, you’re seen as lazy or unproductive. Instead of enjoying the time we gain, we end up feeling guilty for not keeping up with the relentless demands of the market.
That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize art, community, and ethics over mere consumption. By focusing on these values, we can reclaim our time and find deeper fulfillment beyond the cycle of production and consumption.
This text is released into the public domain and may be used by anyone for any purpose.