AI in Asheville: You’ve Been Using It for Years – So Why the Backlash Now?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been an integral part of Asheville’s evolution, enhancing various sectors and enriching the community’s experiences. Despite some reservations about AI’s role in art and graphics, it’s essential to recognize the extensive and longstanding integration of AI in our daily lives.

AI’s Pervasive Presence in Asheville

Asheville has embraced AI across multiple domains:

• Education: Institutions like UNC Asheville have incorporated AI into their curricula, allowing professors to set individual AI usage guidelines in their classes.
• Economic Development: Plans are underway to establish one of nine AI supercomputers in Asheville, positioning the city as a hub for technological advancement.
• Community Initiatives: Collaborations, such as those between UMD students and the Asheville Reparations Commission, utilize AI to address historical injustices and support community reparative efforts.
• Creative Exploration: Projects have experimented with AI to recreate Asheville’s iconic landmarks, showcasing the fusion of technology and art.

These examples illustrate that AI is not a novel intrusion but a longstanding contributor to Asheville’s growth and innovation.

Understanding Resistance to Technological Advancements

Resistance to new technologies, including AI in creative fields, often stems from psychological and systemic factors:

• Fear of Change: Humans instinctively react to novel things protectively. Significant technological shifts can amplify anxieties, leading to resistance.
• Technostress: The negative psychological relationship between individuals and new technologies can cause stress, especially when adaptation feels overwhelming.
• Lack of Familiarity: Individuals may resist technology due to a lack of understanding or exposure, leading to discomfort and opposition.
• Perceived Threat to Expertise: Professionals may fear that new technologies could undermine their established skills, leading to reluctance in adoption.

Recognizing these factors is crucial in addressing concerns and fostering a more informed and open-minded perspective toward AI’s role in various sectors.

Embracing AI in Art and Graphics

While AI-generated art may challenge traditional notions of creativity, it’s essential to view it as an additional tool that complements human ingenuity. Just as Asheville has integrated AI into education, economic development, and community projects, the art and graphics sector can also benefit from AI’s capabilities. Embracing AI does not diminish the value of human artists; instead, it offers new avenues for expression and innovation.

In conclusion, AI has been woven into the fabric of Asheville’s development for years, enhancing various aspects of our community. By understanding the roots of resistance and acknowledging AI’s pervasive benefits, we can foster a more inclusive and progressive dialogue about its role in art, graphics, and beyond.