In the modern era, seniors grapple with the rapid evolution of technology, particularly with the pervasive integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various facets of daily life. This technological surge presents both challenges and opportunities for older adults, with many individuals like Diana Souza, a seasoned graphic designer turned educator, embracing the changes while also facing new hurdles.
Diana’s journey exemplifies the intersection of experience and adaptation in the face of technological advancements. With over four decades of experience in graphic design across multiple cities and educational achievements under her belt, Diana found herself confronted with new AI-driven tools reshaping the landscape of design education and professional practice.
The introduction of generative AI tools like Dall-E, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly posed a unique set of challenges for Diana, particularly in guiding student work while preserving the essence of creativity. While AI-driven functionalities initially augmented efficiency in image manipulation, allowing for tasks like sky replacement, the advent of text-prompted AI tools raised concerns about the integrity of creativity. Entire images could now be edited or even generated from scratch, blurring the lines between authentic human creativity and AI assistance.
This blurred distinction became particularly problematic in professional settings, as clients often struggled to differentiate between AI-generated and human-generated designs. Diana highlighted the unmistakable artificial quality often present in AI-generated work, a nuance often overlooked by those unfamiliar with design intricacies.
Recognizing the inevitability of AI’s role in design, Diana pivoted her approach, challenging her students to navigate the ethical and practical implications of AI integration. One student, Tyler Trotter, articulated a set of AI art guidelines emphasizing ethical usage and responsible attribution, echoing principles of integrity and fairness.
Despite these efforts, dissent persisted among some students, citing concerns about the ethical implications of AI utilization in artistic endeavors. Diana acknowledged the irrevocable impact of AI proliferation but advocated for responsible integration rather than outright rejection, emphasizing its potential to enhance creativity when wielded judiciously.
While Diana continues to mentor her students and advocate for thoughtful AI utilization, she remains cautious about the future implications of AI in design. Reflecting on her career trajectory, she acknowledges the allure of fields like animation, where AI and design seamlessly converge.
As society grapples with the transformative influence of AI across various industries, organizations like fyi50+ seek to amplify the voices of older workers navigating these shifts. Encouraging individuals to share their experiences with AI and its impact on their professional endeavors, fyi50+ aims to capture diverse perspectives on adapting to the AI phenomenon.
In an ever-evolving technological landscape, Diana Souza’s journey serves as a testament to the importance of resilience, adaptation, and ethical stewardship in harnessing the potential of AI while preserving the essence of human creativity.
To see samples of Souza’s work aimed at promoting her class, click HERE.
