Exploring the Role of AI in Creative Fields

By QUENTIN PETTINATO 

As ChatGPT and other generative AI [artificial intelligence] tools grow in popularity, many people working within the liberal arts community worry about the future of creative professions. At Seton Hill University, students and faculty alike have the same concerns.

Abby Showman, a freshman theatrical arts student, worries that using AI to generate ideas robs artists of originality and substance. “You can use it for structure and grammar maybe, but I don’t think it should be used to come up with the actual ideas and content. That’s where creativity happens,” said Showman. 

Showman also supports regulations for AI, especially in educational and creative spaces: “I don’t want to see people lose their jobs to something artificial instead of real creativity.”

In contrast, Apollo Barron, a junior sports communication student, is more confident about job security. “No amount of AI could replicate the talent, the emotions, the memories of these student athletes giving their 100 percent on the field,” said Barron.

Kelly Clever, a Seton Hill librarian and a participant in the university’s AI Academy, shares both interest in integrating as well as concern regarding AI within student spaces. “I’m learning, and I do want to bring it into the classroom,” Clever said. While she doesn’t use it in class yet, Clever is already adjusting to how she evaluates student work, “not to judge, but to understand.

“AI can help students become more analytical and critical thinkers … but when students rely on it for themselves, is when it hurts more than it helps,” said Clever. “AI can help if it is used to build your skills, but not if it’s just doing the work for you.

“There’s a real danger if we don’t handle this right. But Seton Hill is taking steps. That’s why I joined the AI Academy, because I don’t know everything,” Clever said. “Prepare your faculty. Meet AI head on. Have a clear policy, and educate yourselves first.”  

Seton Hill continues to explore ways to integrate AI into the classroom in both ethical and regulated ways, but the concern regarding generative AI and creativity remains.