The Changing Landscape of Visual Aesthetics: From Costly Signals to AI Native

The Changing Landscape of Visual Aesthetics: From Costly Signals to AI Native

Introduction:
In this article, we delve into two distinct but interconnected topics: Jordan Peterson's prediction on the decline of civilization and the impact of AI, particularly DALL·E 2, on visual aesthetics. While these topics may appear unrelated at first, we will explore the common threads that tie them together and shed light on the changing landscape of our civilization and the way we perceive visual vibes.

Jordan Peterson - Winston Churchill predicted the Death of our Civilization:
Jordan Peterson, a renowned psychologist and professor, has often discussed the potential decline of our civilization. He draws parallels to Winston Churchill's warnings about the dangers of complacency and the need for continuous improvement. Peterson emphasizes the importance of constant adaptation and improvement to prevent the downfall of societies. This notion of the "Red Queen's Race" suggests that in order to maintain our current level of performance, we must continually strive to improve and evolve.

DALL·E 2 and The Origin of Vibe Shifts:
The advent of Unsplash, a platform that democratized access to high-quality photography, disrupted the traditional notion of visual aesthetics as a costly signal. This democratization allowed anyone to access great photography, thereby diminishing its exclusivity as a status symbol. Similarly, DALL·E 2, an AI image generator, is poised to democratize not only photography but also illustrations and 3D renderings. The once exclusive and premium visual styles will become accessible to a wider audience, blurring the lines of what constitutes a costly signal.

The Power of Costly Signals in Corporate Design:
Visual aesthetics in corporate design have long served as a means to communicate a company's resources and taste through a costly signal. Premium materials like illustrations and intricate 3D renderings have been used to convey a company's ability to spare ample resources. However, what may evoke a strong reaction and signal quality today may become outdated and uninspiring in the future. The ever-changing nature of visual aesthetics highlights the need for constant adaptation and improvement.

The Role of Human Skill and AI in Aesthetics:
While AI has made significant advancements in generating visuals, there remains a distinction between human skill and AI capabilities. Interactive visualizations, for instance, still require human intervention and expertise. The leading edge of aesthetics will likely involve human skill, even as the methods for channeling that skill evolve. AI tools should be seen as instruments that can be played well or poorly, rather than replacements for human creativity and expertise.

The Importance of Relative Performance and Human-AI Collaboration:
In status games, relative performance is crucial. While AI may excel in certain areas, the combination of human creativity and AI capabilities is likely to outperform AI alone for the foreseeable future. Just as individuals under 35 are considered "internet natives," today's children will be "AI natives," growing up with a deep understanding of AI's potential. Human-AI collaboration will likely become the norm, as each brings unique strengths to the table.

Conclusion:
As our civilization continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of various phenomena. Jordan Peterson's insights into the need for continuous improvement align with the rapid advancements in AI and its impact on visual aesthetics. To adapt and thrive in this ever-changing landscape, we must embrace the potential of AI while valuing human creativity and expertise. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to navigate this evolving terrain:

1. Embrace Continuous Improvement: Adopt a mindset of constant adaptation and improvement to stay ahead in the Red Queen's Race.
2. Emphasize Human Skill: While AI can enhance and automate certain aspects of aesthetics, remember that human skill and creativity will always play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of visual appeal.
3. Foster Human-AI Collaboration: Recognize the strengths of both humans and AI, and strive for collaborative efforts that leverage the best of both worlds to achieve superior results.

By understanding the changing nature of visual aesthetics and embracing the potential of AI, we can navigate the shifting landscape of our civilization while preserving the essence of human creativity.