It's no secret that the AI-copyright question is a contentious one, and it's only a matter of time before it explodes in the faces of AI companies. A recent revelation has shed light on the fact that upwards of 170,000 books, the majority of which were published in the past 20 years, are being used to train generative AI models. These books include works by renowned authors such as Michael Pollan, Rebecca Solnit, Jon Krakauer, James Patterson, Stephen King, George Saunders, Zadie Smith, and Junot Díaz. This dataset, known as 'Books3', has been utilized not only by LLaMA but also by Bloomberg, EleutherAI, and other generative AI programs found all over the internet.

It's no secret that the AI-copyright question is a contentious one, and it's only a matter of time before it explodes in the faces of AI companies. A recent revelation has shed light on the fact that upwards of 170,000 books, the majority of which were published in the past 20 years, are being used to train generative AI models. These books include works by renowned authors such as Michael Pollan, Rebecca Solnit, Jon Krakauer, James Patterson, Stephen King, George Saunders, Zadie Smith, and Junot Díaz. This dataset, known as 'Books3', has been utilized not only by LLaMA but also by Bloomberg, EleutherAI, and other generative AI programs found all over the internet.

This revelation raises several important questions about the ethics and legality of using copyrighted material in AI training. While some argue that AI models trained on copyrighted works can lead to creative outputs and new ideas, others are concerned about the infringement of intellectual property rights. The issue becomes even more complex when considering the potential impact on authors and the publishing industry as a whole. Should AI-generated content be regulated more strictly? Should AI companies be required to obtain proper licenses or permissions to use copyrighted material? These are all valid questions that need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

However, the use of copyrighted material in AI training also brings to light a broader discussion about the nature of AI and its impact on our sense of self. In our digital age, where technology is constantly evolving and reshaping our understanding of time and reality, it's crucial to maintain a connection with the present and the real world. AI may have the ability to anticipate our needs and generate content based on our input, but it lacks the essence of true existence. Our creativity, learning, productivity, and innovation should not solely rely on AI; they should be grounded in our own experiences and values.

To ensure that we don't lose ourselves to the AI storm, it's important to establish boundaries and maintain a healthy balance between human creativity and AI assistance. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

• 1. Embrace your uniqueness: AI may excel at generating content, but it can never replicate the depth and authenticity of human expression. Recognize your own unique perspective, experiences, and voice, and let that guide your creative endeavors. Don't let AI overshadow or replace your own creative abilities.

• 2. Use AI as a tool, not a crutch: AI can be a valuable tool to enhance and streamline our creative processes. Instead of relying solely on AI-generated content, use it as a source of inspiration or a starting point. Combine AI-generated ideas with your own insights and imagination to create something truly original.

• 3. Advocate for ethical AI practices: As AI continues to play a significant role in various industries, it's crucial to advocate for ethical AI practices. This includes respecting intellectual property rights, obtaining proper licenses or permissions for copyrighted material, and ensuring transparency in AI training processes. By doing so, we can promote a more equitable and responsible use of AI-generated content.

In conclusion, the revelation of AI models being trained on copyrighted books highlights the urgent need for discussions surrounding AI ethics, copyright laws, and the impact of AI on our sense of self. While AI can be a powerful tool, it should never overshadow or replace the uniqueness and authenticity of human creativity. By embracing our individuality, using AI as a tool rather than a crutch, and advocating for ethical AI practices, we can navigate the AI storm while retaining our sense of self and what we stand for.