CRE-ai-TIVITY by Mārtiņš Irbe

“The best form of criticism is creation.” – D Watkins

Technology changes rapidly, and it can feel overwhelming. Instead of resisting, embracing creativity helps you navigate these shifts. I realised this after reading a Listen Notes article. They launched a tool to detect NotebookLM-generated podcasts, calling them ‘junk.’ This made me reflect on the power of these tools and the creativity they unlock.

I’ve been in tech for decades—from sharing files via floppy disks to using AI tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM. When I first used NotebookLM for Friday Tech Focus News podcast, I was impressed by the quality. It sounded authentic, like a real podcast. I’ve replayed that first AI-generated episode multiple times, and it still amazes me. While there are subtle signs of AI creation, these imperfections hint at the future of this technology. Just as floppy disks seemed normal before, we’ll look back on AI tools as pivotal steps forward. The changes ahead are beyond our current imagination.

I understand the concern about AI-generated podcasts and blog posts feeling repetitive or formulaic. When everyone uses the same tools, sameness can increase. But should you dismiss all AI-generated content as junk? Poor use by some doesn’t invalidate the potential of these tools.

Here’s why I use AI:

Efficiency: AI streamlines the creative process.
Quality: It helps produce high-quality, ad-free content.
Time Management: Balancing a full-time job and family limits my time. AI allows me to maintain my side project despite these constraints.

Ideally, I’d research and summarise articles myself, but that’s not feasible without AI. The technology handles much of the manual work, letting me focus on verifying and validating the output. AI acts as a powerful assistant, ensuring I deliver quality content even with limited time.

Responsibility lies with creators, not the tools. Take deepfakes as an example: the technology can be used ethically or unethically. The potential is vast, but its impact depends on how it’s applied. Just because some use AI to create low-quality or deceptive content doesn’t mean all AI-generated material is junk.

Key points to consider:

Nuance Matters: Not all AI content is driven by greed or harmful intent.
Thoughtful Use: When used carefully, AI can boost creativity and innovation.
Tool, Not a Crutch: The technology itself isn’t the problem; it’s how you use it.

Rejecting AI tools outright stifles progress and creativity. Instead, use them to enhance your unique perspective.

My goal for Tech Focus is simple: provide high-quality, ad-free insights into the tech world. I’ve spent thousands of hours on this project, driven by a passion for meaningful content, not generating noise. NotebookLM helps refine my message without replacing it.

Here’s my message to Listen Notes: Do listeners gravitate towards “real human voices,” or do they value content that is meaningful, provides helpful insights, and meets their needs? At the end of the day, if the content is poor—whether created by humans or AI—most people will skip it. It’s a self-resolving issue driven by natural selection.

While AI might lead to similar-sounding content, creators like you and me can use these tools to highlight our unique perspectives. Don’t let your voice get lost in AI-generated noise. Believe in thoughtful creation because the tool’s value depends on your vision.