SXSW 2024
Introduction
My first time attending South By Southwest (SXSW) and I could not have been more excited to be both a speaker and participant. I did not attend the educational track because I couldn’t afford to be in Austin for almost two weeks. But as I roamed the lively streets near the Austin Convention Center, I was driven to unearth the broader implications of music, culture, artificial intelligence (AI), and tacos (more on that later). My decision to skip the educational track was partially rooted in a desire to step beyond the confines of “ivory tower syndrome”—a phenomenon all too familiar in academic circles, where discussions are often not entirely accessible or relevant to the wider public.
I’ve decided against the traditional post-event analysis or summary of SXSW—content that’s readily available online and only skims the surface of the experience—I aimed instead for a deeper, more nuanced interpretation.
In this essay I aim to share my experience at SXSW. Not to simply relay what happened in each session verbatim but to distill the essence, the underlying currents that connected the dots across the event. I believe my role, potentially reflective of the future of journalism itself, is to identify and explore the threads that weave through the myriad presentations and dialogues at SXSW.
I will deep dive into specific sessions that not only caught my attention but also served to highlight or further explore these thematic strands I’ve identified. Through this lens, we’ll venture into a discussion that transcends the immediate, offering insights into the pulsating heart of SXSW and its implications on our cultural and technological landscape.
About those tacos: I could live on Tacodeli. Here’s some taco porn:
A quick “hat tip” to Nick Potkalitsky at Educating AI (on Substack) for helping me decide what to look for in my time at SXSW.
Let’s begin by looking at several major themes or ideas that I observed in just about every session I attended.
Exploring Beyond Our Niches: The Universal Impact of AI - Highlighting the necessity to transcend industry or niche boundaries to comprehend the widespread influence of AI, fostering a comprehensive understanding of its transformative potential.
AI Literacy: Navigating the Future with Education - Emphasizing the critical role of education in maximizing the benefits of AI technologies, underscoring the importance of AI literacy across all sessions attended.
Valuing the Journey: The Shift from Product to Process in AI Innovation - Reflecting a paradigm shift towards valuing the creative and analytical processes in AI advancements over the final products, challenging traditional metrics of success.
Navigating Change: AI’s Role in Job Displacement and Industry Creation - Discussing the dual nature of AI in both displacing jobs and creating new industries, a historical pattern observed with technological evolutions like the Industrial Revolution.
Embracing the Future: Leading the Transition into the Age of Abundance - Observing the transition towards an Age of Abundance driven by technological advancements, emphasizing the shift away from a scarcity model and the need for leadership in this new era.
Disclaimer
This document is not an academic paper. At the time of publication, I am not affiliated with any corporation or institution. While I will link and cite my sources when appropriate, I’m not beholden to any format or tone.
The intended audience is primarily educators (teachers at formal educational institutions, life coaches, mentors—anyone who teaches someone else how to do something). However, a core tenet of my belief is that in the Age of AI, everyone will be an educator. And that the best practices educators have developed for young minds also work for young artificial intelligence models.
Also, this publication is not for software developers or coders. It is not a technical manual or industry white paper.
Major Themes of SXSW 2024
Exploring Beyond Our Niches: The Universal Impact of AI
The encouragement to step outside of one’s “bubble” to fully grasp the broader implications of artificial intelligence resonates as a significant theme from SXSW. This perspective emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the confines of one’s industry or niche to understand the transformative power of generative AI technologies.
As these technologies evolve, their impact extends far beyond specialized applications, promising to reshape every aspect of our daily lives. From how we work, learn, and create, to the ways in which we interact with each other and the world around us, generative AI stands as a pivotal force of change. Acknowledging this expansive influence requires a willingness to explore and understand diverse applications and implications of AI, fostering a more holistic view of its potential to innovate and enhance various sectors of society.
As I’m fond of saying, if AI cures cancer and solves the climate crisis, I don’t care if it puts me out of work as a novelist.
AI Literacy: Navigating the Future with Education
The emphasis on education as critical in the current era emerged as a prominent theme at SXSW, with AI literacy being highlighted in every session I attended.
The discourse around the importance of understanding AI technologies underscores a critical insight: even technologies deemed relatively accessible, such as generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT, significantly benefit from informed usage. This notion points to a broader imperative for educational initiatives that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage with AI technologies.
The absence of a conventional “owner’s manual” for AI chatbots exemplifies the broader challenge of navigating these advanced tools without formal guidance. Thus, fostering a deeper understanding of AI through education is seen not just as beneficial, but essential for maximizing the potential of these technologies in various aspects of life, from personal to professional.
Valuing the Journey: The Shift from Product to Process in AI Innovation
The mantra “process over product” captures a shifting focus within the AI community, as echoed in numerous discussions at SXSW. This shift signifies a transition from merely acquiring skills to fostering deeper intelligence building, acknowledging the evolving capabilities of AI in outperforming humans in producing final products across various domains.
As AI technologies advance, the emphasis on the creative and analytical processes that lead to these outcomes becomes increasingly relevant. This paradigm shift challenges traditional metrics of assessment, which have historically centered on the end product, whether in educational settings or industry practices.
The question becomes, “How can we effectively evaluate and value the process of creation and problem-solving in an era where AI can generate superior products?” This perspective encourages a reevaluation of our approaches to learning, working, and evaluating success, pushing for a deeper appreciation of the journey towards innovation rather than the destination alone.
Navigating Change: AI’s Role in Job Displacement and Industry Creation
I don’t know if I’m the first to phrase it this way, but I find myself saying, “AI will take jobs, but it will create industries.” This idea underscores a historical pattern of technological evolution, reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution. This theme, highlighted during SXSW, points to the dual nature of disruptive technologies. While they may render certain jobs obsolete, they simultaneously lay the groundwork for entirely new sectors and opportunities. The advent of AI is no exception, signaling a transformative shift in the labor market and economic structures at large.
As AI technologies advance, they automate tasks that were traditionally human-dependent, leading to concerns about job displacement. However, this technological progression also drives innovation, leading to the emergence of industries that were previously unimaginable. Consider how many jobs have been created in “social media,” which is an industry that didn’t exist prior to 2004.
This cycle of destruction and creation necessitates a reassessment of workforce skills and a reinvigoration of education systems to prepare for the new landscape. Embracing AI’s potential to foster new industries requires a forward-looking perspective, acknowledging the historical continuity of technological advancements as catalysts for economic and societal transformation.
Embracing the Future: Leading the Transition into the Age of Abundance
The concept of the “Age of Abundance” represents a profound shift in the way humanity perceives and interacts with resources, driven by the unprecedented advancements in technology. This vision, inspired by the sessions I attended at SXSW, suggests that the long-standing scarcity model, which has defined human economic and social structures for millennia, is being replaced. Technological innovations, particularly in fields like AI, are catalyzing a significant increase in wealth and an improvement in the standard of living for a broader swath of the global population than ever before.
This burgeoning era of abundance holds the promise of democratizing access to resources and knowledge, thereby challenging traditional notions of scarcity and competition. The commitment to sharing insights and learnings about AI freely is emblematic of a larger, essential movement toward openness and collaboration.
As we stand on the brink of this new age, there is a call to action for leaders who are willing to navigate this transition, contribute to the collective knowledge pool, and guide society through the profound changes that lie ahead.
I’ve thought deeply about the ideas of a few of those leaders who presented at SXSW. These people represent some of the brightest and most dynamic companies in the world, and as you read my interpretations, you’ll undoubtedly see the aforementioned major themes.
Let’s begin with the most famous computer scientist, author, inventor, and futurist of our times.
The Singularity Is Nearer: Ray Kurzweil and Nick Thompson
Session Description:
Twenty-five years ago, Ray Kurzweil predicted computers would reach human-level intelligence by 2029, unlocking solutions to the world’s grandest challenges. Today we are right on track to reach this milestone. During the 2030s, AI will become superintelligent, vastly outstripping our capabilities and enabling dramatic medical breakthroughs to overcome aging. This is not an alien invasion. AI is evolving from within us and will reflect our humanity. By 2045, we will connect our brains directly to the cloud, enhancing our intelligence a millionfold and expanding our consciousness in ways we can barely imagine. This is the Singularity.
SXSW Bios:
Ray Kurzweil is a leading inventor, thinker, and futurist, with a thirty-five-year track record of accurate predictions. He was the principal inventor of the first CCD flat-bed scanner, omni-font optical character recognition, print-to-speech reading machine for the blind, text-to-speech synthesizer, music synthesizer capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments, and commercially marketed large-vocabulary speech recognition software.
Ray received a Grammy Award for outstanding achievements in music technology; he is the recipient of the National Medal of Technology, was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, holds twenty-one honorary Doctorates, and honors from three U.S. presidents.
Ray has written five national best-selling books including The Singularity Is Near (2005) and How To Create A Mind (2012), both New York Times best sellers, and Danielle: Chronicles of a Superheroine, winner of multiple young adult fiction awards. He is a Principal Researcher and AI Visionary at Google, looking at the long-term implications of technology and society.
Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, a position he has held since 2021. In both 2022 and 2023, The Atlantic earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards. While he has been CEO, the magazine received three consecutive Pulitzer Prizes, was named Digiday’s Publisher of the Year, 2022, and increased both the number of subscribers and revenue to the highest numbers in the publication’s history.
Previously, Thompson was editor-in-chief of WIRED where he helped transform the business model and had a front-row seat covering some of the most important technological stories of our time. Thompson wrote many features for the publication, including a cover story on Facebook that became one of the most read pieces in the magazine’s history and has been cited multiple times in Congress. He also wrote a story about a missing hiker who erased his digital identity, which will soon be a documentary available to stream on Max. Thompson is a former contributor to CBS News, where he regularly appeared on CBS This Morning and CBS Sunday Morning. He is a co-founder of The Atavist, a National Magazine Award–winning digital publication and multimedia content management system that was sold to WordPress in 2018.
Thompson previously served as editor of NewYorker.com. Before The New Yorker, Thompson was a senior editor at WIRED, where he assigned and edited the story that was the basis for the Oscar-winning film Argo. In 2009, his book, The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War, was published to critical acclaim. Thompson has long been a competitive runner; in 2019, he was ranked as one of the top 20 masters marathoners in the world, and in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.
Here are the central themes related to the role of generative AI, and eventually, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Beyond the Turing Test: Navigating the Exponential Growth of AI and Computation
The concept of the Turing Test as a benchmark for artificial intelligence has evolved significantly with the advent of generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT.
Initially proposed by Alan Turing in the mid-20th century as a test for a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human, the test has been a foundational goal for AI researchers. However, recent advancements in AI have led to a reevaluation of its importance. Systems like ChatGPT have demonstrated capabilities that many would argue pass the Turing Test in various contexts, particularly in generating human-like text responses. This shift reflects a broader trend in AI development where the focus is increasingly on nuanced, specialized tasks beyond the scope of the original Turing Test.
The rapid pace at which AI technology is advancing underscores a significant challenge in understanding and predicting its trajectory. Kurzweil’s “Price Performance of Computation 1939-2023” chart exemplifies this, showcasing the exponential growth of computational power over time. This pattern of growth, far from the linear expectations commonly held by humans, illustrates how computational advancements have consistently outpaced intuitive projections. The exponential curve represents not just a history of computing but a promise of future capabilities that we are only beginning to imagine. As Kurzweil himself has pointed out, human intuition is ill-equipped to comprehend exponential growth despite its consistent pattern across technological developments.
This disconnect between human expectations and the reality of technological advancement has profound implications. It suggests that the future of AI and computing could bring about changes that are difficult to predict or fully understand from our current vantage point. The progression from simple computational tasks to complex, generative AI models that challenge the relevance of the Turing Test is just one example of this rapid evolution.
It is becoming clear to me that the journey ahead in AI and computational technology is one that will continually redefine our understanding of possibility, intelligence, and the very fabric of human interaction with machines.
Unlocking Immortality: The Future of Longevity and Mind Duplication
Ray Kurzweil’s vision for the future of human longevity is grounded in a concept he refers to as the “Longevity Escape Velocity” (LEV). This idea suggests that by the year 2029, technological advancements in health and wellness could reach a point where the average addition to a person’s lifespan due to scientific progress outpaces the time it takes for us to age. In other words, if we prioritize our health and make the most of these advancements, it becomes theoretically possible to extend our lives indefinitely.
However, Kurzweil acknowledges the limitations of this concept, noting that it doesn’t render us immune to death from diseases or accidents but rather shifts the paradigm of aging and mortality. The potential to extend life indefinitely hinges on the continuous and rapid progress of medical technology, biotechnology, and related sciences.
Building on this foundation, Kurzweil projects a future where by 2045, the technological capabilities could allow us to duplicate or clone our brains in a similar way we currently duplicate or clone computer hard drives. This prospect opens up far-reaching implications, particularly in the realms of learning, personal identity, and consciousness.
The ability to replicate the human brain could revolutionize how we think about education, memory, and the transfer of knowledge. It suggests a future where learning could be augmented by directly interfacing with digital copies of our brains, potentially allowing for instantaneous learning or the transfer of experiences and memories. Moreover, this technology could lead to new forms of digital immortality, where one’s thoughts, memories, and personality could be preserved beyond the physical limitations of the body. The ethical, philosophical, and practical implications of such advancements are profound, touching on questions of what it means to be human, the nature of consciousness, and how we define individuality in a world where the mind can be digitized and replicated.
Now put that into the context of the traditional educational system where “learning” officially ends with a high school diploma or college degree. What does it mean for buildings designated as “places of learning” or people who identify as “teachers?”
I wish I had more answers than questions…
Redefining Creativity: The Convergence of Human and Artificial Intelligence
Developments in AI are forcing all of us to redefine what it means to be creative. In the conversation, Nick Thompson observed that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT generate text through brute force or extensive computation. This idea forces us to consider the difference (or lack of) between human creativity and machine output.
Ray Kurzweil’s counterpoint invites us to challenge these preconceived notions. By questioning the fundamental difference between machine-generated “brute force” and human “creativity,” Kurzweil propels us into a deeper exploration of what creativity really means. Their conversation underscores the evolving landscape where AI’s capabilities increasingly intersect with domains once thought to be exclusively human.
The debate highlights a pivotal moment in our relationship with technology. As AI continues to produce work that resonates with human emotions, mimics human thought processes, and solves complex problems, the line between human creativity and machine computation becomes blurred.
Kurzweil’s perspective suggests that creativity may not be an exclusive trait of human intelligence but a function of intelligence itself, irrespective of its origin. This shift in understanding forces us to reconsider the monopoly humans have long claimed over creativity.
As AI technologies grow more sophisticated and integrated into our lives, society is prompted to expand its definitions of creativity and intelligence, recognizing that these concepts may extend beyond the bounds of human cognition. This recognition doesn’t diminish the value of human creativity but rather invites us to appreciate the myriad ways intelligence—whether organic or artificial—can manifest creative outcomes.
Redefining Expertise: Passion Over Talent in the Future of Education and Society
Ray Kurzweil’s vision of a future where talent becomes an obsolete metric for determining an individual’s value or potential in education and society offers a radical departure from our current paradigm.
According to Kurzweil, the leveling field brought about by universal access to data will transform how we perceive expertise and specialization. In his future, the differentiation between individuals will not be predicated on innate talent or even the accumulation of knowledge, as everyone will have unfettered access to the same vast reservoirs of data. Instead, passion becomes the primary driver of expertise.
This shift implies a world where an “expert” or “specialist” in any given field is defined not by their innate ability or even their learned knowledge but by their sustained interest and passion for that field. This concept challenges traditional educational and societal structures that have long placed a premium on natural aptitude and the competitive acquisition of knowledge.
It’s hard to imagine how such a radical shift could impact educational institutions, many of which continue to pride themselves on the knowledge acquisition of its students. This trend began in the 1990s with search engines, and was accelerated by Wikipedia. It meant that students no longer had to maintain a reservoir of knowledge when they could access it from the internet. The advent of the smartphone in the early 2000s was the next phase of knowledge-on-demand, with AI poised to take the concept to its ultimate conclusion.
Kurzweil’s advice to young people to focus on their interests rather than monetary success underscores a broader implication of this shift—a reevaluation of our values and measures of success.
In a world where access to information is democratized to such an extent, the pursuit of knowledge for personal fulfillment and the betterment of humanity becomes more viable and valued than ever before. This perspective encourages individuals to pursue paths that genuinely interest them, fostering a society rich in diversity of thought and innovation. The potential for personal growth and societal advancement in this environment is immense, as people are motivated by their passions and interests, leading to more meaningful contributions and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Kurzweil’s forecast not only suggests profound changes for the educational system but also for the broader societal fabric, heralding a future where the pursuit of passion could become the norm rather than the exception.
Now, let’s examine a conversation with a representative of one of the most important companies of our time, OpenAI.
Rewards and Risks of Multimodal AI: Che Cheng and Justin Hahn
Session Description:
This session will be a fireside chat where attendees will hear about the exciting ways in which enterprises and individuals are using OpenAI’s services. The discussion will include: how enterprise accounts differ from consumer accounts; how risk is allocated between developers of AI models and users, and whether this has accelerated the adoption of these tools; OpenAI’s newly release features and their approach to balancing legal risks and user expression when testing and releasing these features; and the current state of the laws on AI and what impact they’ve had on OpenAI and users.
SXSW Bios:
Che is the General Counsel at OpenAI, where he oversees legal issues related to AI technology development and release. Previously, Che led the AI legal team at Amazon Web Services (AWS), and before that he worked at Silicon Valley law firms and startups.
Justin Haan advises leading technology industry pioneers to help them navigate their most critical IP and technology needs. Justin’s practice focuses on transactions and counseling involving intellectual property and technology, including licensing arrangements, technology transfers, and joint development activities. He advises clients on the development, procurement and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented/virtual reality, semiconductors, cloud computing services, autonomous vehicles, and unmanned aircraft systems. Justin’s experience includes advising OpenAI, Autodesk, Meta, Salesforce, SoftBank, Unity, and other blockbuster names.
Here are the central themes related to the rewards and risks of a multimodal AI platform like ChatGPT.
Balancing Transparency and Inclusivity: The Debate Over Watermarking AI-Generated Content
The question of whether AI-generated content should be watermarked is complex, touching on both technical and ethical considerations. At the heart of this debate is the potential for stigma associated with AI assistance, highlighted by Che’s story of a landscaper who, not being fluent in English, used AI to write emails. This individual’s story underscores a significant benefit of AI—it can serve as a powerful tool for improving communication and, by extension, business outcomes for non-native speakers or those less confident in their writing skills. The AI’s ability to enhance clarity, grammar, and overall expression can be pivotal in professional and personal growth, making technology an equalizer in the digital age.
However, introducing mandatory watermarks on AI-generated content could introduce a stigma against those who rely on AI for such enhancements, potentially undermining the confidence and opportunities it aims to bolster. The notion of watermarking AI-generated content is rooted in transparency and the desire to prevent misinformation, especially in sensitive fields like journalism and academia. Yet, it risks marginalizing users who benefit most from AI, suggesting their work is less authentic or valuable simply because of its origins. This approach could discourage the use of AI tools that have become vital for bridging communication gaps and fostering inclusivity.
The balance between ensuring transparency and avoiding stigma is delicate. While watermarking could serve as a measure against the misuse of AI in creating deceptive or harmful content, it must be implemented with careful consideration of unintended consequences. Strategies might include offering users the choice to disclose AI assistance voluntarily or developing nuanced policies that require disclosure only in contexts where the authenticity of the content’s origin is critical.
In the classroom, one could see how quickly students could be labeled by their peers (and their teachers). The stigma for struggling students or those who experience learning difficulties would be real and bring an entirely new set of problems that schools are not prepared to handle.
Ultimately, the goal should be to harness the full potential of AI as a tool for empowerment, without casting a shadow over those it seeks to uplift.
AI at the Crossroads: Navigating the Future of Healthcare and Education with Ethical Innovation
From Chang’s perspective, the realms of healthcare and education emerge as paramount concerns when contemplating the regulation of artificial intelligence. These areas, critical to societal well-being and advancement, encapsulate the dual-edged sword of AI’s promise and perils.
In healthcare, AI’s potential to revolutionize diagnosis, treatment planning, patient monitoring, and even drug discovery is immense. However, without judicious regulation, the risks of misdiagnosis, privacy breaches, and unequal access to AI-driven healthcare innovations could exacerbate existing disparities and introduce new ethical dilemmas.
Similarly, in education, AI technologies like personalized learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems offer the potential to democratize education, tailor learning experiences to individual student needs, and bridge educational gaps. Yet, the concerns around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide loom large, necessitating a regulatory framework that ensures AI’s application in education serves to enhance rather than hinder equity and access.
OpenAI’s focus on these sectors underscores a recognition of AI’s transformative potential alongside a commitment to ethical stewardship. The call for regulation reflects a nuanced understanding that while AI can indeed propel significant advancements in healthcare and education, ensuring these technologies are developed and deployed responsibly is crucial to safeguarding public trust and maximizing societal benefit. The approach suggests a pathway where innovation and ethical responsibility coalesce, guiding AI’s integration into these vital sectors.
Striking a Balance: Navigating the Complex Interplay of Freedom and Censorship in AI
The delicate equilibrium between freedom and censorship in the context of AI deployment is a central theme that emerged from Che and Justin’s conversation. This balance is critical in ensuring that AI technologies, such as large language models and generative AI tools, are used responsibly without stifling innovation or curtailing the creative and expressive freedoms of users.
OpenAI’s approach to this issue, as shared by Chang, involves a methodical and cautious release of new AI models, with extensive testing and red teaming to identify potential misuses. This process underscores the organization’s commitment to navigating the tightrope between enabling the vast, positive potential of AI and mitigating risks associated with its misuse.
However, the challenge intensifies as AI’s capabilities expand into more sensitive areas, such as content creation, where the line between user flexibility and necessary censorship becomes increasingly blurred.
For instance, generative AI’s ability to produce realistic and persuasive text or imagery raises concerns about misinformation, copyright infringement, and ethical implications. According to Che, OpenAI aims to strike a balance by implementing measures like content restrictions and the exploration of watermarking as potential solutions to signal AI-generated content. Yet, these steps also prompt a broader conversation about the implications for creative freedom and the risk of stigmatizing legitimate uses of AI assistance.
In independent publishing, where I’ve been active for the past fifteen years, I’ve witnessed the stigmatization. In fact, in many cases authors who have embraced generative AI have been attacked, vilified and “review bombed” on book selling platforms. Even though the majority of independent authors support each other, the vocal minority can ruin lives and careers with a post on X or a comment in a Facebook group.
In essence, finding the right balance between freedom and censorship in the AI realm is an ongoing journey, one that requires continuous dialogue among technologists, users, policymakers, and ethicists. It’s about crafting a framework that fosters innovation and enriches human creativity while ensuring safety, security, and trust in AI technologies. This balance is not static but will evolve with advancements in AI capabilities, societal norms, and regulatory landscapes, making it a critical area for ongoing attention and thoughtful action.
AI and Journalism: The Massive Consequences When Truth is AI
Session Description:
AI is a promise and a threat, even for trusted journalism sources such as CNN, AP, The Washington Post, WSJ and your local newsroom. How can these companies manage the influx of AI-generated images and video that are currently impossible to detect and have real world consequences? Is this another threat on democracy? Could AI images swing an election? Incite violence? And what are the new responsibilities and challenges of media when it comes to the use of AI, by others and by the industry itself? It’s a large moving target our expert panelists will discuss from the frontlines.
SXSW Bios:
David Allan is CNN’s Editorial Director of Features. Prior to joining CNN, David was the Managing Editor for the features sections for BBC.com and a features and news editor at The New York Times, overseeing and contributing to sections that ranged from Travel (where he wrote a column), National, Styles and the magazine. He wrote two travel guides to Ireland and Scotland for Frommer’s, created a show on MTV, is a former White House intern and middle school teacher with Teach For America. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, he holds degrees in Journalism and Philosophy. His TEDx Talk is titled “Who Knows What’s Good or Bad?”
Donie O’Sullivan is a CNN Correspondent, Warner Brothers Discovery WBD
Sandra M. Stevenson is an award-winning Writer / Visual Editor / Curator in the photography department at The Washington Post. As a deputy director of photography, she manages a team of picture editors who work on International, Climate, and Health + Science, as well as Post staff photographers. Prior to joining The Post, Sandra was an associate deputy director of photography at CNN, where she managed picture editors who curated the home screen, edited stories and newsletters, as well as special projects. Prior to that, she was an Assistant Editor who oversaw digital photo editors on the news desk and worked on visual content for Race/Related and the Gender, in addition to exclusive projects such as “Overlooked” and “This Is 18.”
Bernadette Tuazon is the director of photography for CNN Digital, where she oversees photo coverage of breaking news, and features. Tuazon manages a team of photo editors spread across Atlanta, New York, Washington, D.C., Palm Springs, Hong Kong and London.
The central theme of this panel focused on truth and misinformation in the age of AI.
Strategies for Combating AI-Generated Misinformation in Journalism
The panelists suggested a multifaceted approach to mitigating the risks associated with AI-generated misinformation. They emphasized the importance of ongoing education and training for journalists and newsroom staff, highlighting the need for a deep understanding of AI technologies, their potential for misuse, and the strategies for identifying manipulated content. This educational initiative is envisioned to empower journalists with the skills necessary to critically evaluate the authenticity of images, audio, and video, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the information being disseminated to the public.
Furthermore, the panelists advocated for the adoption of technological tools and protocols aimed at enhancing the verification and authentication process of news content. By leveraging advancements in digital forensics and content credibility platforms, news organizations can trace the origin and alterations of images and other media, providing a robust defense against the infiltration of false information.
Although interest in NFTs and the blockchain peaked a few years ago, I still believe in the technology as a way to authenticate anything digital. That was not discussed in this panel, but I believe it will be one possible solution to the problem discussed.
Collaborative efforts within the journalism community, including the sharing of best practices and resources, are also highlighted as essential strategies for collectively addressing the challenges posed by AI. This proactive stance, rooted in a commitment to journalistic ethics and the pursuit of truth, underscores the panel’s recognition of the critical role news organizations play in safeguarding democracy against the perils of misinformation in the digital age.
The trickle down effect for students becomes obvious when we examine the need for fact-checked sources. Again, I can see blockchain authentication not only verifying student research, but validating important achievements such as diplomas and official transcripts.
The New Normal: AI in Music Creation
Session Description:
AI is here to stay and forever change the way songwriters and producers make music. With new innovations and endless possibilities opening up daily, it’s time we reflect on the opportunities and expansion to the artistic process, examine the impact and change, and discuss what’s to come. This panel features leading voices in AI music creation and innovation discussing the future of technology, the change in mindset, and the trends and tools that are here to stay.
SXSW Bios:
Evan Bogart is an award-winning Songwriter, Producer & Creative Executive who has had a hand in creating some of the most indelible hits of the past 20 years, most notably Beyonce’s GRAMMY Award-Winning “Halo” and Rihanna’s Worldwide #1 “SOS”. Evan cut his teeth as a teenager in the Interscope Records A&R department working on projects by 2Pac and Eminem, the latter whom he helped sign to the label. Through his various own ventures, Bogart signed and developed 3x GRAMMY-Award Producer Of The Year nominee, and recent Record Of The Year-winner, Ricky Reed, and blues-rock recording artist ZZ Ward, in addition to being the CEO of Seeker Music, a fast-rising independent music publishing and record company whose catalog of songs includes Beyoncé, Drake, Harry Styles and many more.
Dani DiCiaccio is currently the VP, Content at Splice overseeing the buzzy music start up’s music production and industry leading catalog. Dani believes that creativity belongs to everyone and technology should enhance creativity. When we get that right, we see (and hear) magic. With a deep passion for understanding culture and community, Dani brings an expert knowledge of global music and storytelling to her role at Splice.
DiCiaccio discovered music production as a way to express her own ideas before becoming an educator, teaching music production at the Harlem Children’s Zone and MacCormick Secure Center. Dani continues to make music, producing and performing under the moniker KYOSi.
Dani lives with her family in New York City.
Diaa El All has dedicated his career to stewarding digital and technology solutions building brands that leverage and refine digital offerings. Diaa combined his deep talent and love of music production with disruptive technology to pioneer Soundful, with the goal of giving artists and creators the tools to create studio-quality tracks regardless of their experience level. Prior to founding Soundful, Diaa was a partner in digital marketing agency, Smartboost.
Ethan Millman is a staff writer at Rolling Stone focusing on the music industry. He’s previously covered business issues for the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times. He lives in Los Angeles.
Here are the central themes related to the role of generative AI in the creative space, specifically popular music.
Harmonizing AI and Human Creativity in Music Production: Navigating the New Role of Artists
During the panel on AI music creation, Diaa El All offered a grounding perspective amidst the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence in the music industry. He said, “AI is not the answer for everything,” underscoring the notion that while AI has tremendous potential to enhance and accelerate the creative process, it is not a panacea for all artistic challenges. This sentiment serves as a reminder that the essence of creativity and innovation still relies heavily on human intuition, experience, and emotional depth, elements that AI can complement but not fully replicate.
After I returned home from SXSW, I subscribed to Soundful and was delighted by the “collabs” feature on the platform. I immediately began generating tracks, adding my own guitar to it, and discovering an entirely new way of creating music. I have no association with Diaa El All or Soundful—just sharing my experience as a lifelong musician and fan of music.
Dani DiCiaccio’s mention of “push-button creativity” explores the nuanced relationship between AI and music production. This term vividly encapsulates a critical concern—the fear that AI might reduce the art of music creation to mere button-pressing, stripping away the intricacies and personal touch that define great works. However, this concept also opens up a discussion about the evolving role of musicians and producers in the age of AI. As AI technologies become more integrated into the creative workflow, artists are increasingly finding themselves in the position of directors rather than traditional creators. This shift doesn’t diminish their artistry but rather expands their toolkit, allowing them to guide the creative process with a broader palette of options at their disposal.
The transition from creator to director in the context of AI-driven music underscores a transformative phase in the industry. Human artists must now make critical decisions about how and when to use AI, navigating the fine line between harnessing its capabilities for innovation and maintaining the human touch that resonates with listeners. The key lies in leveraging AI as a powerful tool for exploration and expression while keeping the artist’s vision and intent at the forefront of the creative process.
This dynamic interplay between human creativity and technological advancement hints at a future where music is not just made but also imagined in new and exciting ways.
Amazon on the Future of Artificial General Intelligence: Vishal Sharma and Ryan Heath
Session Description:
Amazon believes AI is the most transformational technology of our time, capable of tackling some of humanity’s most challenging problems. That is why the company is investing in generative AI to responsibly develop and deploy large language models (LLMs) across all of its businesses. These advancements are part of Amazon’s long-term pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Axios’ Ryan Heath and Amazon’s AGI VP, Vishal Sharma will discuss what today’s AI may imply for the future, the progress of LLMs towards the quest for AGI, and its’ potential to benefit society at large.
SXSW Bios:
Vishal Sharma is vice president in Amazon’s Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) organization. The AGI team is advancing the company’s generative AI technologies – including Amazon’s most expansive multimodal Large Language Models. Vishal oversees the team that ensures customers’ Information experiences are insightful, accurate, and personalized. His team makes the world’s information accessible to customers on-the-go and in their home via Amazon devices and services including Echo products, Amazon Fire TV, and third-party offerings.
Sharma believes there are few things in the tech industry as promising as Personal AI in transforming everyday human life. He is focused on bringing multimodal exploration and conversation in ambient contexts to millions of customers in intuitive ways, connecting them with information and actions that reflect their interests and needs.
Prior to Amazon, Sharma was vice president of Products, Intelligence, and Experience in Core Developer at Google, and led a team focused on using AI to transform the creation and evolution of software. He also led YouTube Advertising and Google Assistant, including its first launch (Google Now) a decade ago that pioneered proactive and voice-driven assistance. Sharma has also served as corporate vice president of Knowledge and Conversation for Microsoft AI and Research, joining the company after its acquisition of Wand Labs where he was founder and CEO.
He received his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, an M.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Ryan Heath is Axios’ Global Technology Correspondent, and co-author of the AI+ newsletter. Ryan moderated the first presidential debate of the 2019 EU election, and between 2015 and 2023 wrote POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook, Davos Playbook and Global Insider newsletters and hosted podcasts. He’s the author of two books on politics, and previously worked for the European Commission’s tech spokesperson in Brussels.
Here are the central themes related to the ethical use of artificial general intelligence.
Advancing Responsible AI: Amazon’s Ethical Approach and the Importance of AI Literacy
The call for a responsible approach to AI was a central theme in the conversation between Ryan Heath of Axios and Amazon’s Vishal Sharma, reflecting a growing awareness within the tech industry of the ethical, social, and technical challenges that AI presents.
As AI technologies become more integrated into our daily lives and global economy, the need for robust ethical frameworks and principles becomes critical. Sharma emphasized that Amazon is at the forefront of this movement, particularly through its implementation of AI in AWS services. By setting an example, Amazon aims to encourage not only responsible AI development and deployment but also to foster an environment where AI literacy and education are prioritized. This approach ensures that both the creators and users of AI technologies are aware of their implications and use them in a manner that benefits society at large.
I’ve seen Amazon’s commitment to generative AI, despite the fearmongering that can exist in the independent publishing space. Although I’m prevented from disclosing details, I can say that Amazon invited me into the “Virtual Voice” beta program, which will allow authors on Kindle Direct Publishing to generate an AI-narrated audiobook right from their KDP dashboard.
The emphasis on AI literacy and education is crucial for demystifying AI technologies and making them more accessible to a broader audience. Education plays a vital role in empowering users, policymakers, and developers to make informed decisions regarding AI applications. Amazon’s initiatives illustrate a commitment to not only advancing AI technology but also to ensuring that its deployment is guided by ethical considerations and transparency. This involves creating resources and tools that help understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, thus enabling a more informed dialogue around its societal impacts.
In essence, Sharma’s insights underline the importance of a responsible approach to AI, marked by ethical principles, AI literacy, and education. Amazon’s efforts to incorporate these elements into their AI implementations signal a broader shift in the tech industry towards more ethical and informed use of AI. By championing responsible AI, Amazon aims to lead by example, encouraging others in the industry to follow suit and contribute to the development of AI technologies that are not only innovative but also ethical and beneficial for society as a whole.
Exploring the Path to AGI: Lessons from Human Learning and Implications for Education
The pursuit of AGI represents one of the most ambitious and challenging frontiers in the field of artificial intelligence. Sharma’s comments suggest that reaching AGI may necessitate a radical departure from current methodologies, potentially embracing a biological approach akin to studying how babies learn. This intriguing proposition underscores the complexity and adaptability of the human brain, inviting a reconsideration of the foundational principles underlying AI development. By observing and modeling the learning processes of infants—who demonstrate remarkable ability to absorb information, adapt to their environments, and develop complex cognitive functions—researchers could uncover new pathways to creating AI systems that are capable of generalizing across a broad spectrum of tasks with the flexibility and creativity seen in humans.
Such a paradigm shift could have profound implications not just for the field of AI, but for the future of education as well. If AI development begins to mirror the learning processes of the human brain more closely, it could lead to technologies that enhance learning and cognition, tailoring educational experiences to individual needs and potentially revolutionizing how knowledge is acquired and applied.
This approach to AGI could inform educators and technologists alike, fostering a more intimate understanding of human intelligence and how it can be replicated and augmented through artificial means.
Although not discussed during this session, it stands to reason that Neuralink combined with AGI could radically transform the quality of life for people living with disabilities, such as paraplegics or those with cognitive impairments. Imagine a school where every child is welcome, even those who have traditionally been labeled as “special needs.”
As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the brain and the intricacies of learning, the journey towards AGI could simultaneously illuminate new strategies for educational excellence, making learning more efficient, engaging, and personalized for students around the globe.
Personalized AGI Agents: Pioneering Customized Learning and Enhancing Daily Life
The potential for personalized AGI agents to revolutionize the educational landscape is a compelling vision. By moving beyond the traditional, one-size-fits-all model of education, these agents offer a future where learning is deeply customized to the individual’s pace, interests, and unique needs.
Sharma used middle school students as an example. This technology could mean the end of the “cookie-cutter bridge” that rigidly dictates the transition from one grade to the next. Instead, a personalized AGI tutor could offer a learning journey tailored to each student’s strengths and areas for growth, accommodating a wide range of learning styles and preferences.
This approach holds particular promise for neurodivergent students and those who have faced challenges within the conventional education system, suggesting a more inclusive and effective method of fostering intellectual development and academic achievement.
Moreover, the impact of personalized AGI agents extends beyond the classroom, offering benefits to neurodiverse individuals in various aspects of life. By leveraging insights from Daniel Pink’s “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing,” these agents could assist in identifying an individual’s most productive times of the day, thereby optimizing schedules for peak efficiency and creativity. This level of personalization could lead to profound improvements in habit formation, behavior tracking, and overall life management, enabling individuals to reach their full potential.
In essence, personalized AGI agents represent a transformative tool that could redefine our approach to education, personal development, and the way we navigate our daily lives, promising a future where technology empowers us to become the best versions of ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SXSW 2024 experience provided me with an incredible exploration of the intersections between artificial intelligence, creativity, education, and the broader societal implications of emerging technologies. This event highlighted for me the necessity of stepping beyond traditional industry boundaries to fully grasp the transformative power of AI, urging a collective shift towards a deeper understanding and ethical application of these technologies.
Through discussions on AI literacy, the importance of the creative journey over the end product, and the dual nature of AI in both displacing jobs and creating new industries, SXSW underscored the complexity and promise of the digital age. It emphasized the need for a forward-looking perspective that embraces the potential of AI to foster an era of abundance, challenge existing paradigms of creativity and expertise, and redefine the landscape of education and work.
The panels and presentations I attended reflected a nuanced appreciation for the technology’s role in addressing grand societal challenges, from healthcare and education to the creative arts. By examining the implications of AI-generated content, the ethical considerations of its use, and the potential for personalized learning experiences, speakers and participants alike contributed to a rich tapestry of insights. These discussions not only showcased the potential for AI to enhance human creativity and problem-solving but also highlighted the critical importance of ethical frameworks, transparency, and AI literacy in navigating the future.
Ultimately, SXSW 2024 served as a microcosm of the broader conversation on the role of AI in shaping our cultural, technological, and economic landscapes. It presented a call to action for leaders, creators, educators, and policymakers to collaboratively explore and guide the integration of AI technologies in a manner that enriches human life and society as a whole. As we look toward the future, the insights garnered from SXSW inspire optimism and a renewed commitment to harnessing the power of AI responsibly, ensuring that its development and application proceed hand in hand with ethical considerations and the betterment of humanity.
And tacos.
Author Note
In crafting this article, my approach to utilizing artificial intelligence mirrors the innovative spirit of SXSW itself. Continuously exploring the frontiers of what AI can accomplish, I’ve harnessed its capabilities in ways that not only augment my work but in some instances, perform tasks that would traditionally require a team. This piece stands as a testament to such an endeavor, showcasing how AI can serve as both a collaborator and an assistant in the creative process.
During SXSW, I engaged with the event on multiple levels: recording audio of the sessions, taking detailed handwritten notes, and then merging these strands through the use of cutting-edge tools. The audio recordings were transcribed by Descript, providing a textual base that was both comprehensive and accessible. I then employed ChatGPT to summarize and analyze the transcription, integrating my handwritten observations to ensure the analysis was deeply personal and reflective of my unique perspectives on AI, creativity, and education. By feeding ChatGPT both the transcribed audio and my notes, I asked it to assist me in structuring the essay into a coherent narrative that captures the essence of my SXSW experience.
This process underscores a deeply personal journey through SXSW, shaped by my interactions with AI to produce an article that is uniquely my own, reflective of my attendance and the distinctive lens through which I view the interplay of technology and human creativity.
© 2024, Timothy J. Desmond
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.