If you have a Threads/Instagram account, you can view this thread which has gotten totally out of hand on The Information’s link out to my op-ed on that platform. Or if you are like me, a conscientious objector to social media who believes it brings out the worst in people, you can at least see the last few vitriolic replies to my op-ed as a guest user, of which there are now 955 as of this counting, and which will undoubtedly be higher by the time I finish writing this post.
It occurs to me that ultimately this is a situation developing that touches strongly on freedom of expression, namely mine. The way the majority of people are reacting seems to be with the intent to shame or silence me – a position which I am now taking towards them, despite the mountains of verbal abuse they heap on me. They want me to not say what I am saying, feel what I’m feeling, or do what I’m doing. They want the things I explore, that I experiment with as an artist to fit within the narrow confines of their own definitions of what’s good and bad.
That’s their right to have and express those opinions. Just like it is mine to express this one. But I refuse to take up and carry the burden of the unhappiness of others. The simple fact that I am being open and above board about using new AI technologies does not suddenly nullify my right to free expression. The right of free of expression extends to all people, using all types of technologies to express themselves.
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